Lockheed Martin Names Rich Benton as Sikorsky Head

Lockheed Martin has named Richard Benton to lead Stratford-based helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky, succeeding Paul Lemmo.

Lemmo is leaving Sikorsky after three-plus years as president to lead Lockheed’s Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors business.

“It was an honor and privilege to lead the dynamic team at Sikorsky,” Lemmo said in a June 11 statement.

“I am grateful to have shared in your rich legacy of pioneering flight solutions and mission to bring people home everywhere, every time.

“I’m excited to begin my next chapter today leading the most diverse line of business at Lockheed Martin—the Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors business—providing next-generation missile defense, radar, shipbuilding, directed energy, and combat system integration programs to increase customer capability and help achieve mission success.”

Before assuming the leadership role at Sikorsky, Lemmo was vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems’ Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors business.

Leadership

Benton has served in various roles with Lockheed Martin for more than 27 years, most recently as vice president and general manager for the company’s Training and Solutions business line in Orlando, Florida.

His appointment as vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, which recently unveiled a transformational hybrid-electric initiative, was effective June 11.

“I am privileged to follow in Paul’s footsteps as the leader of Sikorsky,” Benton said. “It is an honor to join this team with a proven 100-year legacy and bright future.”

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima congratulated Lemmo and welcomed Benton to Connecticut.

“Sikorsky, its supply chain, and Connecticut were fortunate to have Paul Lemmo’s great leadership and presence,” DiPentima said.

“We’re grateful for Paul’s unwavering support of Connecticut and its business community and we look forward to working with Rich Benton to support Sikorsky, its incredible workforce, and supply chain.”