Bell’s 505 helicopter, also known as the JetRanger X
Helicopter manufacturer Bell has appointed Lisa Atherton as its new president and CEO, making her one of the few women to achieve a board-level position in the industry.
Atherton, who previously held the role of chief operating officer at Bell, will succeed Mitch Snyder on 28 April, 2023. Prior to her COO position, Atherton served as president and CEO of Textron Systems from 2017 to January 2023. Her career with Textron began in 2007 when she joined Textron Defense Systems. In 2013, she transitioned to Bell, where she held various leadership roles within Military Programs, including executive vice president of Military Business. Atherton’s background also includes eight years of service at the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command’s Directorate of Requirements, following her graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Textron chairman and CEO, Scott C. Donnelly, praised Atherton’s leadership and ability to build strong teams across Bell and Textron Systems during her 16 years with the company. Donnelly expressed confidence in Atherton’s strategic vision to drive future growth for Bell across both military and commercial programs.
Donnelly also acknowledged the significant contributions of outgoing president and CEO, Mitch Snyder, who is set to retire after more than seven years at the helm of Bell and nearly two decades with the company. Under Snyder’s leadership, Bell has seen significant advancements in new technologies, product innovations, and the expansion of commercial programs.
