Thomas Bell, former CEO of Rolls-Royce’s North American subsidiary and president of its global defense business, has officially assumed responsibilities as Leidos‘ (NYSE: LDOS) new chief executive.
In late February, Bell was named successor to Roger Krone, a 10-time Wash100 Award winner who took on the CEO role in July 2014 and added the chairman title in March 2015.
“I have worked with Tom over the past months, and I am convinced he is the right person to lead this company into the future,” Krone said Tuesday in an earnings call.
Bell was senior vice president of global sales and marketing for Boeing‘s (NYSE: BA) defense, space and security business before he rejoined Rolls-Royce in 2018.
His career at Rolls-Royce began in 2012, when he joined as president of customer business for North America.
Bell started his aerospace career at Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and held senior leadership roles during his more than two-decade tenure at Boeing, which included service as strategy lead for defense and space and VP of business development, precision engagement and mobility systems.
“I’m ready to stand with our 45,000 employees to harness technology and push the boundaries of what’s possible, building an even bolder, brighter future together,” Bell said of his new post at Leidos.
Robert Shapard, a Leidos director since September 2013, transitioned to the independent chairman role Friday.
