Lisa Atherton has officially assumed the position of president and CEO of Textron, effective January 4, 2026. This transition marks a significant change for the company as Atherton takes over from Scott Donnelly, who has led Textron since late 2009 and is now serving as executive chairman of the board.
Background and Experience
Atherton brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience within Textron, having held key roles in various subsidiaries. Most recently, she was the president and CEO of Bell, a prominent aerospace company under Textron’s umbrella. Prior to her tenure at Bell, she served as president and CEO of Textron Systems. Her extensive background within the organization has positioned her well to lead Textron into its next chapter.
Textron expressed confidence in Atherton’s capabilities through a statement on LinkedIn, highlighting her “vision and commitment to excellence.” The company emphasized that her leadership is crucial for maintaining success across its diverse global operations.
Transition and Future Goals
The announcement of Atherton’s appointment as CEO was made in October 2025, with both Atherton and Donnelly sharing their thoughts on the transition. Atherton expressed enthusiasm about taking the helm at Textron, stating her intention to work closely with the teams to deliver innovative technologies and products to customers, while also creating value for shareholders.
Donnelly reflected on his time as CEO, noting the privilege it has been to shape the company and nurture a talented team. He indicated his eagerness to collaborate with Atherton in her new role, underlining the continuity and strategic direction Textron aims to maintain.
As Textron embarks on this new leadership phase, the industry watches closely to see how Atherton’s vision and experience will influence the company’s trajectory in the coming years.
