L3Harris Technologies Appoints Sam Mehta as President and CEO, Names New Segment Leaders

Christopher Kubasik steps down as chairman and CEO; Lewis Hay III becomes independent chairman as the defense and aerospace group completes a broader leadership transition.

L3Harris Technologies has appointed Sam Mehta as president and chief executive officer and elected him to its board of directors, effective immediately, the company announced Monday. Mehta succeeds Christopher Kubasik, a three-time Wash100 Award winner, who has stepped down as chairman and CEO and left the board. Lewis Hay III, previously L3Harris' lead independent director, has become independent chairman.

Mehta joined L3Harris in January 2023 as president of the communication systems segment and most recently led both the space and mission systems (SMS) and communications and spectrum dominance (CSD) segments, which together generate more than 80 percent of company revenue. He brings over 25 years of aerospace and defense experience, including prior roles at Collins Aerospace and Sikorsky Aircraft.

Lauren Barnes has been named president of SMS, while Christopher Aebli, previously president of mission critical communications, becomes president of CSD. Kenneth Bedingfield remains president of missile solutions. L3Harris said it remains committed to a previously announced $3 billion capital investment to expand solid rocket motor production and strengthen its supply chain.

Hay said Mehta's knowledge of the business and the board's succession planning supported the appointment. Mehta said he intends to work with senior leaders to support the needs of the U.S. and its allies.