Former President Of Textron Systems

There's a new man at the top for Bell Helicopter, as parent company Textron announced Thursday Richard J. Millman has been named president and CEO of the helicopter manufacturer. Millman replaces Michael Redenbaugh, who resigned from the company.

"With the tremendous growth trajectory anticipated for Bell Helicopter, we are putting a strong operations executive in place to ensure we meet the current and future needs of our customers. There are wonderful growth opportunities ahead, and we are accelerating our focus on execution to ensure we make the most of them," said Textron Chairman, President and CEO Lewis B. Campbell.

Textron representatives describe Millman as a seasoned 20-year veteran of the company, and most recently served as president of Textron Systems -- a $1 billion business unit that produces specialty marine craft, armored vehicles, advanced weapon and sensor systems, aircraft engines and controls, and intelligence products for aerospace, defense and homeland security customers.

"For more than two decades, Dick has been an outstanding leader at Textron," Campbell continued. "His track record of performance -- on both the growth and operations management sides of the equation -- is exemplary. He is an experienced prime contractor to government customers, successfully producing complex finished products and systems for aerospace and defense applications."

Prior to assuming his current position in 1995, Millman served as Textron's vice president, office of the chairman, overseeing strategic planning and operations services and responsible for improving costs and efficiencies across the corporation. From 1987 to 1994, Millman was president of HR Textron, a supplier of hydraulic and control systems for NASA and major aircraft manufacturers. He joined Textron after a 20-year career at Avco Corporation, acquired by Textron in 1986. Millman holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from MIT, and a masters degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University.

Commenting on Redenbaugh's departure, Campbell said, "Under Mike's leadership, Bell achieved many significant program and product milestones and reinvigorated its growth prospects. We appreciate Mike's efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Frank Tempesta has been named president of Textron Systems, succeeding Millman.

Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com