USA – Textron Inc., a global multi-industry corporation with a significant presence in the aviation and pilot training sectors, has announced that Lisa Atherton, currently President and CEO of Textron’s Bell segment, will succeed Scott C. Donnelly as President and Chief Executive Officer effective 4 January 2026. Atherton will also join the Board of Directors, while Donnelly will transition to Executive Chairman.

• Lisa Atherton will assume the role of Textron President and CEO and become a member of the Board, effective 4 January 2026.

• She currently leads Textron’s Bell segment and has served over 18 years in various leadership roles within the company, including in Textron Systems.

• Textron is the parent company of multiple aviation-focused brands including Cessna, Beechcraft, Bell, and TRU Simulation + Training.

Statements

• “The Board is pleased to name Lisa as our next CEO after conducting a comprehensive succession planning process and believes this transition will ensure continued success for the Company.” – R. Kerry Clark, Textron Lead Director

• “I am excited to become president and CEO of Textron, and I look forward to working with Scott, the Board and our global teams to bring our innovative technologies and products to our customers and create value for our shareholders.” – Lisa Atherton

• “It has been an honor to serve as Textron’s CEO… I am looking forward to working with Lisa and the Company in my role as Executive Chair.” – Scott Donnelly

Source: Textron
Photo Credit: Textron