Christopher T. Calio Takes Helm as RTX Charts New Leadership Era

President and Chief Operating Officer transitions to CEO role; outgoing chief to lead as executive chairman

RTX, the global aerospace and defense leader headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, announced a pivotal management succession today. Christopher T. Calio, the company’s 50-year-old President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the chief executive officer position at the May 2, 2024 Annual Shareowners Meeting. The transition marks a carefully orchestrated shift in leadership, with incumbent Gregory J. Hayes transitioning to executive chairman. Calio has also been elected to RTX’s board of directors effective immediately.

The aerospace and defense powerhouse, commanding annual sales of $67 billion across 180,000 global employees, has structured this leadership change through a deliberate multi-year planning process. Board lead director Fredric G. Reynolds emphasized the methodical nature of the decision: “The Board is very pleased to have Chris Calio succeed Greg Hayes as RTX CEO. Chris has been disciplined in leading the company’s operations and strategic growth strategy.”

Calio’s Track Record and Operational Leadership

As President and Chief Operating Officer, Calio has demonstrated mastery over RTX’s operational machinery. His purview encompasses the three core business units—Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon—alongside oversight of technology, engineering, enterprise services, digital operations, quality, supply chain management, and environmental health and safety functions. His most recent achievement involved orchestrating RTX’s 2023 business segment realignment, consolidating operations from four to three units for enhanced efficiency.

Calio’s ascent within the organization reflects his nearly two decades at Pratt & Whitney, where he previously served as president before assuming his current corporate role in 2005. During his tenure at the aircraft engine and auxiliary power unit division, he spearheaded multiple transformation initiatives that reshaped operational performance.

Addressing his new role, Calio stated: “I deeply value the Board’s confidence in me and am grateful for the opportunity to lead the RTX team forward. I am 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.”

Hayes’ Legacy and Continued Leadership

Gregory J. Hayes, 63, departs the CEO position after reshaping RTX’s portfolio through strategic divestiture and acquisition. His tenure witnessed the transformation of the aerospace sector through several landmark transactions: Sikorsky Aircraft divestiture in 2015, the Rockwell Collins acquisition in 2018, followed by the 2020 spinoffs of Otis Elevator Company and Carrier Corporation.

Hayes orchestrated the 2020 merger that created RTX by consolidating Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace Systems, and Raytheon Company into a unified entity. His 21-year tenure at United Technologies Corporation—culminating in his appointment as CEO in 2014 and chairman in 2016—established the foundation for RTX’s current market position as the world’s foremost aerospace and defense enterprise.

Board chairman comments reflected the transition’s stability: “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. The Board looks forward to Greg’s continued influence and leadership as executive chairman.”

Hayes reinforced confidence in his successor: “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.”

Looking Forward

The leadership succession positions RTX to execute on its substantial backlog of customer commitments while advancing technological innovation across aviation, integrated defense systems, and next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing sectors.