Textron names Lisa Atherton as new President and CEO of Bell

Textron Inc. has announced that Lisa Atherton will begin the role of President and CEO of Bell from 28 April 2023.

Atherton will succeed Mitch Snyder, who is retiring after more than seven years in the role of President and CEO, and nearly 20 years with the company.

She served as President and CEO of Textron Systems from 2017 until January 2023, when she was named COO at Bell. Atherton 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 also a graduate of the US Air Force Academy; she served for eight years at the US Air Force Air Combat Command’s Directorate of Requirements.

Scott C Donnelly, Textron Chairman & CEO, said: “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.

“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.”

He added: “I also want to thank Mitch for his leadership. 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.”