Leonardo DRS has announced a leadership transition that will see longtime executive John Baylouny become president and CEO, succeeding William Lynn, who will retire after 14 years leading the company.
The leadership changes also include the election of Frances Fragos Townsend as chair of the board, Leonardo DRS said, noting that the developments will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Who Is Succeeding Bill Lynn?
Baylouny, who will also be added to the board of directors, currently serves as chief operating officer of Leonardo DRS, a position he has held since 2018. His 35-year career with the company includes roles as chief technology officer and general manager for land systems and advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance businesses. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and Fairleigh Dickinson University, respectively.
What Is Lynn’s Legacy at Leonardo DRS?
Lynn, who became CEO in 2012, led a major transformation that positioned Leonardo DRS as a technology-driven defense company focused on advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion technologies. Under his leadership, the company secured high-profile contracts such as propulsion work for the Columbia-class submarine and counter-drone and short-range air defense programs. He also oversaw the acquisition of RADA and the company’s return to public markets in 2022.
“The company has undergone tremendous transformation under Bill’s leadership and vision,” Townsend said. “The Board is deeply grateful to Bill for his immense impact on the business and wishes him well in retirement.”
Who Will Lead the Leonardo DRS Board?
Townsend has served on the Leonardo DRS board since 2009 and is currently the company’s lead independent director, chairing the compensation committee and serving on the government security committee. She held senior roles at Activision Blizzard, MacAndrews & Forbes and the Department of Justice and served as an assistant to former President George W. Bush for homeland security and counterterrorism. Townsend currently serves as a director with Chubb and Freeport-McMoRan. She has a juris doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from American University.
