Thomas Kennedy to become chairman of Raytheon on Oct. 1

The Board of Directors of Raytheon Company has elected Thomas Kennedy, age 59, as Chairman of the Board effective October 1. This action follows notice to the Board by William Swanson, Raytheon’s current Chairman, of his retirement effective September 30.

Swanson has served as chairman since January 2004. He joined Raytheon in 1972 and has served in a wide range of leadership positions, including as the company’s CEO from July 2003 to March 2014.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deepest appreciation for Bill’s strong leadership and sound judgment as Chairman of the Raytheon Board,” said Admiral Vern Clark, Lead Director of Raytheon. “We also would like to recognize Bill’s dedicated service and exceptional contributions to the success of Raytheon Company and its employees, customers, partners and investors over the past more than 42 years.”

Kennedy succeeded Swanson as CEO of Raytheon Company in March 2014. Kennedy previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Raytheon from April 2013 to March 2014, and as vice president of Raytheon Company and president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems (IDS), one of the company’s four operating businesses. He was elected a director of the Company in January 2014. He has worked for Raytheon in a number of positions with increasing responsibility for more than 31 years.

“As CEO and a Director, Tom has hit the ground running, driving the Company’s performance and shaping the Company’s strategy,” said Admiral Clark. “The Board is looking forward to working with Tom as Chairman of the Board and to his successful leadership of the Company in this dynamic global business environment.”