Lisa Atherton Named CEO of Textron, Succeeding Scott Donnelly in 2026
Textron Inc. has announced that Lisa Atherton will become the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 4, 2026. She will also join the company’s Board of Directors, marking a significant leadership transition for the global aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturer.
Atherton will succeed Scott Donnelly, who has served as Textron’s CEO for 17 years. Donnelly will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board, continuing to provide strategic oversight while Atherton assumes day-to-day leadership.
R. Kerry Clark, Textron’s Lead Director, said the board’s decision reflects confidence in Atherton’s long-standing record of performance and leadership. “Lisa has been a driving force within Textron for nearly two decades, leading major business units and spearheading growth across multiple sectors,” Clark noted.
Atherton currently serves as President and CEO of Bell Textron Inc. — a subsidiary renowned for its military and commercial rotorcraft. Before that, she led Textron Systems from 2017 to 2023, where she guided programs spanning unmanned systems, advanced weapons, and defense modernization.
Before joining Textron, Atherton served in the U.S. Air Force, where she worked within the Air Combat Command’s requirements directorate and served as a contracting officer. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, bringing both military and industry perspectives to her leadership approach.
In a statement, Atherton expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity:
“It’s an honor to lead Textron into its next chapter. I look forward to working closely with Scott, our board, and our teams around the world to continue delivering innovation, excellence, and long-term value for our customers and shareholders.”
This transition marks a pivotal moment for Textron, whose portfolio spans aviation, defense, and industrial solutions — including Cessna, Bell, Beechcraft, and Textron Systems. Atherton’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to leadership continuity and innovation in a rapidly evolving global defense landscape.