Frank Tempesta Will Retire After 46 Years

Textron announced Monday that Fred Strader has been named president and CEO of its Textron Systems segment, effective January 1, 2010. He succeeds Frank Tempesta who is retiring after 46 years of outstanding service to Textron.

Strader has been serving as chief operating officer of Textron Systems since April 2008, overseeing the operations of its five operating units. Strader joined Textron Systems in 2007 through Textron’s acquisition of United Industrial Corporation (UIC) and its subsidiary, AAI. Prior to the acquisition, Strader was president and chief executive officer of the publicly traded UIC and led AAI’s Defense System segment.

Before joining AAI, Strader had a 21-year career with United Defense LP and its predecessor company, FMC, where he served as vice president of United Defense and general manager of the company’s Armament Systems Division. He also held key strategic planning, finance and manufacturing positions in FMC and FMC's Agriculture Machinery and Steel Products Divisions.

Strader will report directly to Textron President and Chief Operating Officer Scott Donnelly. “Fred is a long standing defense executive who has a track record of leading organizations to new levels of growth by developing ground-breaking programs – the success of the Shadow in recent years is one example,” said Donnelly. “I am confident his track record of success will continue and that he is the right leader to help Textron Systems maximize the growth opportunities that lie ahead.”

In reference to Strader’s predecessor, Frank Tempesta, Donnelly added, “Frank has done an outstanding job building this business and positioning it for ongoing success. Under Frank’s watch, Textron Systems has tripled its sales and grown into a multi-billion dollar business. We are grateful for his many years of dedication and service to the corporation and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

FMI: www.textronsystems.com