Leonardo DRS names new CEO and board chair effective January 2026

Leonardo DRS Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced leadership changes that will take effect January 1, 2026. William J. Lynn will retire as chairman and chief executive officer after 14 years leading the defense technology company.

The board of directors unanimously selected John Baylouny as president and chief executive officer and appointed him to the board. Frances Fragos Townsend was elected as board chair.

Lynn became CEO in 2012 and led the company's transformation into what the company describes as a technology-driven organization focused on advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion technologies. Under his leadership, the company acquired RADA and returned to public markets in 2022.

Baylouny brings over 35 years of experience at Leonardo DRS and currently serves as chief operating officer, a position he has held since late 2018. He previously served as chief technology officer and general manager of the company's Land Systems and Advanced ISR businesses. He holds a master's degree in electrical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Townsend has served as a board director since 2009 and currently serves as lead independent director. She chairs the compensation committee and serves on the government security committee. Her background includes leadership positions at Activision Blizzard and MacAndrews & Forbes, as well as roles in the Department of Justice and as assistant to President George W. Bush for homeland security and counterterrorism.

The information is based on a company press release statement.

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