Veteran Navy officer and former Senate appropriations leader brings deep defense and federal budget expertise to accelerate Infleqtion’s quantum mission
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Infleqtion (the “Company”), a global leader in neutral atom-based quantum technology, has appointed Chris Cook as the company’s Vice President of Government Affairs, effective immediately. Cook is a Navy veteran and has spent two decades in government service at the White House, Office of Management & Budget (OMB) and as a professional staff member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees. He joins Infleqtion after the company announced in September that it plans to go public through a business combination with Churchill Capital Corp X (NASDAQ: CCCX) (“Churchill X”), a special purpose acquisition company.
“Throughout my career in the Navy and on Capitol Hill, I’ve seen how important it is to deliver resilient capabilities to the warfighter at speed,” Cook said. “Quantum technologies are becoming critical in contested environments, and Infleqtion is already proving what’s possible. I’m excited to help deepen our work with Congress and with the Department of War and federal agencies as we move these systems from prototype to fielded capability.”
Cook joins Infleqtion from Saab, Inc, where he led U.S. federal strategy. He helped the company to strengthen its capabilities in high-growth and next-generation technologies that resulted in significant market penetration within the Department of War.
“The demand for resilient, mission-ready quantum technologies is accelerating,” Matt Kinsella, CEO Infleqtion, said. “Chris’ defense and appropriations experience will help us strengthen federal partnerships and move these capabilities into the hands of operators who need them, ensuring we deliver impactful solutions where it matters.”
Prior to his work in the private sector, Cook spent two decades in public service.
From 2017 through 2024, he was a professional staff member on the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he worked with senators to shape how the federal government spends nearly $100 billion annually on America’s defense, intelligence and national security priorities. He has also worked for the Senate Budget Committee and as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia.
Cook’s career in Washington began in the administration of President George W. Bush, whom he served as the Deputy Associate Director for Legislative Affairs at the White House Office of Management and Budget. There, he was tasked with shaping the Administration’s defense budget and engagement with the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Cook lives in the Washington, DC area with his wife and two children, and serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He is a John C. Stennis Congressional Senior Fellow and a Senior Associate (Non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He holds a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College and is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
About Infleqtion
Infleqtion is a global leader in neutral-atom quantum technology. We design and build quantum computers, precision sensors, and quantum software for governments, enterprises, and research institutions. Our commercial portfolio includes quantum computers as well as quantum RF systems, quantum clocks, and inertial navigation solutions. Infleqtion is the partner of choice for governments and commercial customers seeking cutting-edge quantum capabilities. Infleqtion announced in September 2025 it plans to go public via a merger with Churchill X (NASDAQ: CCCX). For more information, visit Infleqtion.com or follow Infleqtion on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.
About Churchill Capital Corp X
Churchill X (NASDAQ: CCCX), is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. It may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It
The proposed transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Churchill X for their consideration. Churchill X intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which will include preliminary and definitive proxy statements to be distributed to Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with Churchill X’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and other matters to be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Infleqtion stockholders in connection with the completion of the proposed transaction. After the Registration Statement has been filed and declared effective, a definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents will be mailed to Infleqtion stockholders and Churchill X shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, Churchill X and Infleqtion shareholders and other interested persons are advised to read, once available, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and any amendments thereto and, once available, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by Churchill X in connection with the proposed transaction, as these documents will contain important information about Churchill X, Infleqtion and the proposed transaction. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the preliminary or definitive proxy statement/prospectus, once available, as well as other documents filed by Churchill X with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov or by directing a written request to Churchill Capital Corp X, 640 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
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Such risks and uncertainties include: that the Company is pursuing an emerging technology, faces significant technical challenges and may not achieve commercialization or market acceptance; the Company’s historical net losses and limited operating history; the Company’s expectations regarding future financial performance, capital requirements and unit economics; the Company’s use and reporting of business and operational metrics; the Company’s competitive landscape; the Company’s dependence on members of its senior management and its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel; the Company’s concentration of revenue in contracts with government or state-funded entities; the potential need for additional future financing; the Company’s ability to manage growth and expand its operations; potential future acquisitions or investments in companies, products, services or technologies; the Company’s reliance on strategic partners and other third parties; the Company’s ability to maintain, protect and defend its intellectual property rights; risks associated with privacy, data protection or cybersecurity incidents and related regulations; the use, rate of adoption and regulation of artificial intelligence and machine learning; uncertainty or changes with respect to laws and regulations; uncertainty or changes with respect to taxes, trade conditions and the macroeconomic environment; the combined company’s ability to maintain internal control over financial reporting and operate a public company; the possibility that required regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction are delayed or are not obtained, which could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; the risk that shareholders of Churchill X could elect to have their shares redeemed, leaving the combined company with insufficient cash to execute its business plans; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings or government investigations that may be commenced against the Company or Churchill X; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction; the ability of Churchill X or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities in connection with the proposed transaction or in the future; and other factors described in Churchill X’s filings with the SEC. 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Participants in the Solicitation
Churchill X, the Company and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in proxy statement/prospectus when it is filed by Churchill X with the SEC. You can find more information about Churchill X’s directors and executive officers in Churchill X’s final prospectus related to its initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus when it becomes available. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the proxy statement/prospectus carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.
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Contacts
Tim Biba
Solebury Strategic Communications
[email protected]
