Outstanding Alumni

Peter Nicholas Lengyel – Class of 1980

Peter Lengyel serves as President and CEO of Safran USA and is responsible for execution of Safran’s strategic vision among the Safran companies and joint ventures operating in the United States. Peter was previously the Vice President for Business Development for Safran USA, and in this role coordinated Group approaches across Safran’s aerospace, defense, and security markets in the U.S.

Prior to joining Safran, Peter was a career naval officer, and last served as the naval attaché for defense security cooperation at the American Embassy in Paris, France. As the Director of Naval Affairs, he served as a liaison between government, defense, and private sector leaders to increase interoperability of U.S. and French defense and national security systems.

A 1984 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Peter qualified as a tactical coordinator, mission commander, and instructor in the P-3C aircraft and attained over 3,500 flight hours. He also served as an exchange officer with the Royal Netherlands Navy, a Tactical Action Officer on board the USS America (CV-66), and the commanding officer of Navy Recruiting District, Michigan. During NATO combat operations in Bosnia and Kosovo, Peter was the Director of the Tactical Support Center and NATO Maritime Patrol Air (MPA) Task Group Commander, based in Sigonella, Sicily. During his career, he participated in Cold War antisubmarine operations throughout the Atlantic Ocean, Arctic, North and Mediterranean Seas, as well as combat operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Somalia, and Haiti. Peter’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), the Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.

Peter is a graduate of the Naval War College, where he earned a master’s degree in national security and strategic studies, the Defense Language Institute (Dutch and French studies), Ecole Militaire’s Centre des Hautes Études de l'Armement (Center for Advanced Armament Studies), and the Safran Executive MBA program through Duke University and HEC Paris. He also serves on the U.S. Naval Academy’s Board of Trustees (Athletic & Scholarship Programs), the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, and the USA Cares executive advisory board.

Peter and his wife, Lorie (Berger), have been married 39 years and have four grown children – Katherine, Elizabeth (Matt), twins Peter (Camila) and Nicholas (Hillary)—and eight grandchildren.