Leonardo DRS CEO to retire

Leonardo DRS CEO Bill Lynn will retire as chairman and chief executive officer, the company announced today.

John Baylouny has been named president and CEO and a member of the board of directors, while Fran Fragos Townsend was named board chair. All of the changes are effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Lynn led the company for 14 years. Baylouny has been with Leonardo for more than 35 years, currently serving as chief operating officer, a position he has held since late 2018. Prior to that role, he was the company's chief technology officer with enterprise-wide responsibility for its technology investment strategy. 

Townsend has served as a Leonardo board director since 2009 and also is the company’s lead independent director. She currently chairs the Compensation Committee and serves on the Government Security Committee.