IonQ has appointed Gary Merrill as its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing cybersecurity expertise to the quantum computing firm as it scales its operations, Quantum Zeitgeist reported.
Merrill joins the company from Commvault Systems, Inc., where he most recently served as Chief Financial Officer. He returned to that role in April 2026 after leading global sales and partner organizations as Chief Commercial Officer.
Alongside Merrill’s appointment, Thomas A. Austin will serve as IonQ’s newly created Chief Accounting Officer. Austin previously worked as Chief Accounting Officer at Juniper Networks, an HPE company.
The leadership changes coincide with the immediate departure of Inder M. Singh. Singh leaves the role following a two-year period of corporate evolution.
“Gary and Tom bring extensive public company experience across finance and accounting that will be increasingly important as IonQ continues to scale and hone its long-term path to profitability,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ.
De Masi also addressed the company’s recent trajectory during the executive transition. “In just the last two years, we have evolved from a quantum computing company pioneer into the world’s leading full-stack quantum platform and foundry company,” de Masi said.
Merrill expressed enthusiasm regarding his new position within the firm. “I’m excited to join at such a pivotal moment,” Merrill said, emphasizing the importance of disciplined financial management alongside ambitious growth.
Merrill began his career as a Certified Public Accountant in the audit practice of Arthur Andersen. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Elizabethtown College.
Merrill most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Commvault Systems, Inc. He also led global sales and partner organizations as Chief Commercial Officer before returning to the CFO role in April 2026.
Thomas A. Austin fills the newly created Chief Accounting Officer role at IonQ. Austin previously held the same position at Juniper Networks, an HPE company.
Singh departed immediately following a two-year period in which IonQ evolved.
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