Lisa Atherton, formerly executive vice president of military business at Textron‘s (NYSE: TXT) Bell Helicopter subsidiary, has been appointed president and CEO of Textron Systems.
She replaces Ellen Lord, who will be nominated by President Donald Trump as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, Textron said Wednesday.
“Lisa is a proven leader who will provide the direction and guidance for Textron Systems to execute our current programs and generate future growth with products like our Ship to Shore Connector and Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System as well as new and next generation products and programs,” said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly.
In her previous role, Atherton managed government programs and business development efforts within Bell Helicopter’s military business.
She joined Bell Helicopter in 2012 and has held various leadership roles such as VP of global military business development, V-22 program manager and director of military programs.
Atherton started her career with Textron in 2007 as vice president of area attack at Textron Systems’ defense systems operating unit.
The former U.S. Air Force officer worked at the Air Combat Command’s directorate of requirements, where she helped shape budget and operational requirements and needs for the Combat Air Forces.
