Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced on October 29 that William Lynn will retire as chairman and chief executive officer after fourteen years of leading the company. The board of directors has unanimously named John Baylouny as president and chief executive officer and a member of the board. Additionally, the board of directors has unanimously elected Frances Fragos Townsend as board chair. All changes are effective January 1, 2026.
Bill Lynn was named CEO of Leonardo DRS in 2012 and during his tenure transformed the company into a modern, technology-driven organization. Under his leadership, the company followed a strategy focused on building differentiated positions across four core markets: advanced sensing, network computing, force protection and electric power and propulsion technologies. That strategic focus led to marquee wins in all four markets, including the propulsion content on the Columbia Class submarine and premier counter-UAS and short-range air defense positions, as well as numerous other contract awards that have enabled durable growth. He also led the acquisition of RADA, a move that added market-leading tactical radars to the company’s portfolio and returned Leonardo DRS to the public markets in 2022. Since the company’s return to the public markets, Leonardo DRS has consistently delivered growing backlog, revenue and profit.
“The company has undergone tremendous transformation under Bill’s leadership and vision. The board is deeply grateful to Bill for his immense impact on the business and wishes him well in retirement,” said Townsend. “The board of directors has a strong focus on succession planning, and John’s election as our incoming president and CEO represents a seamless leadership transition.”
Baylouny brings a wealth of experience spanning more than 35 years at Leonardo DRS. He currently serves as the company’s chief operating officer, a position he has held since late 2018. Prior to that role, he served as chief technology officer of the company with enterprise-wide responsibility for its technology investment strategy. Prior to that, he served as general manager of the company’s Land Systems and Advanced ISR businesses, among other leadership roles. He has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Source: Leonardo DRS
Keep up with your competitors by following notable executive moves across the IC contracting space — become a paid subscriber to IC News.
By 
