Chris Calio to Succeed Greg Hayes as RTX CEO

RTX president and chief operating officer Chris Calio will succeed Greg Hayes as chief executive officer next May, the company announced Dec. 14.

Hayes, 63, will continue as executive chair of RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, with 180,000 employees and $67 billion in annual sales.

“Today’s announcement reflects the board’s deliberate, disciplined succession planning process,” Hayes said in a statement.

“It has been an honor to work alongside 180,000 employees around the world to deliver on our mission to connect and protect the world.

“Chris has a deep understanding of the industry, our customers’ needs and our operations.

“I have every confidence in his ability to lead RTX and drive the company’s long-term success.”

Transformation

Hayes spent almost 21 years with Farmington-based United Technologies, where he was appointed CEO in 2014 and chair in 2016.

He oversaw UTC’s transition to an aerospace-focused business, including the sale of Stratford-based Sikorsky Aircraft to Lockheed Martin in 2015 and the acquisition of Rockwell Collins three years later.

Hayes led the merger of East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace Systems with Raytheon Company.

Otis Elevator Company and Carrier Corporation were then spun off as Hayes led the merger of East Hartford-based Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace Systems with Raytheon Company in 2020 to form RTX.

“Greg has had a remarkable career leading RTX, his vision to transform from a conglomerate to a top global aerospace and defense company has created tremendous value for shareowners, employees, and our nation,” said RTX lead director Fredric Reynolds.

“The board looks forward to Greg’s continued influence and leadership as executive chairman.”

‘Continued Growth’

Calio, 50, was appointed RTX president earlier this year, retaining the COO title he assumed in February 2022 after leading subsidiary Pratt & Whitney.

He spent 17 years with the aircraft engine manufacturer, holding a series of roles before succeeding Bob Leduc as president in 2020.

Shane Eddy, who is the keynote speaker for CBIA’s Jan. 18 Economic Summit + Outlook conference, succeeded Calio as Pratt & Whitney president in 2022.

“We are focused on driving operational excellence and accelerating technological innovation as we deliver on the record backlog of customer demand.”

RTX’ Chris Calio

Reynolds said Calio “has been disciplined in leading the company’s operations and strategic growth strategy.”

“We look forward to working with and supporting Chris as he leads RTX to continued growth and success,” he added.

Calio said he was “honored to succeed Greg, who has built the best positioned portfolio in aerospace and defense.”

“As a leadership team, we are focused on driving operational excellence and accelerating technological innovation as we deliver on the record backlog of customer demand and meet shareowner expectations,” he said.