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Atherton named President and CEO of Bell Textron

Lisa Atherton is set to become President and CEO of the Bell Textron, effective April 28, 2023. Atherton, most recently the chief operating officer of Bell, succeeds Mitch Snyder, who will be retiring after more than seven years as Bell’s president and CEO; and nearly 20 years with the company.

Atherton served as president and CEO of Textron Systems from 2017 until January 2023 when she was named COO at Bell. She joined Textron Defense Systems in 2007 and, in 2013, she transitioned to Bell and held a number of leadership positions within Military Programs, including executive vice president, Military Business.

Atherton is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and she served eight years at the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command’s Directorate of Requirements.

“Lisa has done an outstanding job of building strong teams at Bell and Textron Systems in her 16 years with the company and has earned the confidence of our customers,” said Scott Donnelly, chairman & CEO, Textron. “Under her leadership, Bell will continue its strong execution across military and commercial programs and I am confident that she will provide the strategic vision to generate future growth for Bell.

“I also want to thank Mitch for his leadership,” continued Donnelly. “During his tenure, Mitch oversaw the development of new technologies and product innovations, significant wins in Bell’s military business and the expansion of our commercial programs.”