Mehta joined L3Harris in 2023 and has more than 25 years of strategic and operational leadership experience across the aerospace and defence industry.

L3Harris Technologies has appointed Sam Mehta as its new President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. Lewis Hay III, previously the company’s Lead Independent Director, has been named Independent Chairman of the Board, while Christopher Kubasik has stepped down as Chairman, CEO and a member of the Board.

Mehta joined L3Harris in 2023 and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the aerospace and defence sector. He has been part of the company’s executive leadership team and most recently served as President of the Space & Mission Systems (SMS) and Communications & Spectrum Dominance (CSD) segments. Together, the two businesses account for more than 80% of L3Harris’ total revenue.

In his previous role, Mehta was responsible for strategy, financial performance, execution and growth across the company’s largest businesses, which deliver mission-critical capabilities spanning space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.

Hay said: “Sam is a proven executive who brings deep knowledge of our business, priorities and culture, making him ideally suited to become President and CEO of L3Harris at this important time in our company’s and our nation’s history. Sam’s readiness to lead L3Harris reflects the Board’s robust succession planning and our focus on cultivating talent.”

Mehta added: “I am honoured by the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of L3Harris. I look forward to working even more closely with my fellow senior leaders and my talented colleagues across the Company to support the needs of our country and our allies. Today, L3Harris has a portfolio purpose-built for the future of warfare, and we are well-positioned to continue executing our focused growth strategy as The Trusted Disruptor.”

Hay continued: “I am pleased to assume the role of Independent Chairman of the Board of L3Harris. Working side by side with my fellow directors, Sam and the rest of L3Harris leadership, we are focused on delivering on our key priorities for the benefit of our customers, partners and shareholders.”

As part of the leadership transition, Lauren Barnes, President of Spectrum Superiority, has been appointed President of Space & Mission Systems, while Christopher Aebli, President of Mission Critical Communications, will lead Communications & Spectrum Dominance.

L3Harris also said it remains committed to its previously announced $3bn capital investment program under the leadership of Kenneth Bedingfield, President of Missile Solutions. The investment is aimed at expanding solid rocket motor production and strengthening the company’s supply chain to address critical national security requirements.

The company’s leadership change follows an internal investigation into conduct by Kubasik that L3Harris said was inconsistent with its Code of Conduct. The company said the matter was unrelated to its financial reporting, internal controls, customer relationships or operational performance.

Following the investigation, which was conducted with assistance from independent legal counsel, the Board determined that it was in L3Harris’ best interests to enter into a separation agreement with Kubasik. Hay thanked Kubasik for his service, while noting that the company’s values are central to its operations and that implementing the succession plan was considered the appropriate course of action.