PROVIDENCE, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) announced that Ralph D. Heath has been elected to the company's Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2017. Heath is the retired Executive Vice President—Aeronautics of Lockheed Martin Corporation, a global security and aerospace company.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Ralph Heath to our Board," said Textron Chairman and CEO Scott Donnelly. "Ralph’s extensive experience in the aerospace and defense industry, government defense programs and international business development will be invaluable," Donnelly added.

Heath retired in 2012 after a distinguished 37-year career with the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics business area and its heritage companies. Heath joined Lockheed in 1975 and became Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Aeronautics in 1999 until his appointment in 2002 as Executive Vice President & General Manager, F-22 Raptor Program. In 2005 he became Executive Vice President—Aeronautics, a role he held until his retirement. During his tenure, Heath led the revitalization of the C-130 program, international expansion of the F-16 program, and the development and delivery of the F-22 and F-35 fighter aircraft.

Heath served on the Board of Directors of Hawker Beechcraft from 2013-2014, prior to Textron’s acquisition of the Beechcraft business. Heath is a U.S. Army veteran and qualified Airborne Ranger. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and an MBA from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

About Textron

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Bad Boy Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com.