Textron has promoted Lisa Atherton to president and CEO of the Bell segment, effective April 28. Atherton, who most recently served as chief operating officer of Bell, will succeed Mitch Snyder, who will be retiring after more than seven years as president and CEO of Bell.

Atherton has a long history with Textron, having served as 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 later transitioned to Bell, where she held various leadership positions within Military Programs, including executive vice president of military business. Atherton graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served eight years at the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command’s Directorate of Requirements.

Commenting on Atherton’s appointment, Scott Donnelly, Textron chairman and CEO, said Atherton 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 its customers. He also expressed confidence that Bell will continue its strong execution across military and commercial programs under Atherton’s leadership.

Donnelly also expressed his gratitude to Snyder for his service. During Snyder’s tenure, he oversaw technological advancements, achieved significant wins in Bell’s military business and expanded the company’s commercial programs.