Textron names new CEO for Bell Helicopters

Textron Inc has named Lisa Atherton as the president and CEO of the Bell segment, effective April 28, 2023. Atherton will succeed Mitch Snyder, who is retiring after serving over seven years as the president and CEO of Bell and almost 20 years with the company.

Before her role with Bell, she was the president and CEO of Textron Systems from 2017 until January 2023, when she was named COO at Bell. She joined Textron Defense Systems in 2007 and starting in 2013, she held numerous leadership positions within Military programs, like the executive vice president of Military Business.

Atherton is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and served eight years at the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command’s Directorate of Requirements.

“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,” Textron chairman and CEO Scott C. Donnelly said. “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.”

“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,” Donnelly said.