- Lewis Hay III moves from lead independent director to independent chairman
- Lauren Barnes and Christopher Aebli take over the two segments Mehta led
- Mehta previously led Collins Aerospace’s advanced structures business
L3Harris Technologies has appointed Sam Mehta as president and CEO. Mehta also joined the board of directors, the company announced Monday.
Christopher Kubasik, a three-time winner of the Wash100 Award, has stepped down as chairman and CEO and has left the board. Lewis Hay III, previously L3Harris’ lead independent director, becomes independent chairman.
All changes took effect immediately.
What Roles Did Sam Mehta Hold Before Becoming L3Harris CEO?
Mehta most recently served as president of the space and mission systems, or SMS, segment and the communications and spectrum dominance, or CSD, business. Both segments generate more than 80 percent of the company’s revenue. He held responsibility for strategy, financial performance and growth in both units.
He joined L3Harris in January 2023 as president of the communication systems segment and took over SMS and CSD in March 2026. Mehta brings more than 25 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry.
Before L3Harris, Mehta was president of advanced structures at Collins Aerospace, an RTX business unit. He spent more than 17 years at Sikorsky Aircraft in general management, business development and operations roles.
Hay said Mehta’s knowledge of the business and the board’s succession planning made him suited to the role. Mehta said he would work with senior leaders to support the needs of the U.S. and its allies.
Why Did Christopher Kubasik Step Down From L3Harris?
The leadership change occurred after L3Harris learned of conduct by Kubasik that was not consistent with the company’s code of conduct.
The company said the conduct was unrelated to financial reporting, controls, customer relationships and operational performance. The board, with the assistance of independent counsel, determined that a separation agreement was in the company’s best interests.
Hay said Kubasik oversaw significant transformation during his tenure and built a team to carry the business forward. He said the board and Kubasik agreed that implementing the succession plan was the right step.
Who Is Taking Over L3Harris Segment Leadership?
In line with the changes, Lauren Barnes, most recently president of spectrum superiority, became president of SMS. She joined L3Harris in 2023 and previously led the former broadband communications systems unit. Barnes held program management and strategy roles at Boeing before that.
Christopher Aebli, most recently president of mission critical communications, became president of CSD. He joined L3Harris in 1991 and has worked in engineering, program management, sales and international business. Aebli previously served as vice president of the company’s Department of War business and led the legacy global communication systems and tactical communications sectors.
Kenneth Bedingfield remains president of missile solutions. L3Harris said it stays committed to a previously announced $3 billion capital buildout to expand solid rocket motor production and strengthen its supply chain.
