Fort Worth, TX - April 14, 2010 – Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the appointment of Robert T. Hastings, Jr., as senior vice president of communications.
“Bob brings an extensive background in communications leadership, both in the military and in industry,” said Bell President and CEO John L. Garrison. “That vast experience, coupled with his aviation background, makes him a key addition to Bell’s executive leadership team.”
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Hastings will report to Garrison and will be responsible for leading Bell’s communications function. He will manage and integrate all elements of the company's internal, external and marketing communications to tell the Bell story to employees, customers, media, elected officials and community members – helping to drive business results. He joins Bell from Northrop Grumman, where he served as vice president of communications for Northrop Grumman's Information Systems sector.
Before joining Northrop Grumman, Hastings served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs. As the Defense Department’s senior public affairs official and principal spokesman, he was the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and senior Defense and Administration officials for worldwide strategic communication, public information, internal information, and community relations, leading a worldwide public affairs community of some 3,800 military and civilian personnel.
Prior to joining the Defense Department, Hastings served for 10 years as vice president of communications for BAE Systems, Inc., where he directed comprehensive strategic communications and public affairs programs. Before joining BAE, he served as a U.S. Army officer with more than 20 years experience as a Master Army Aviator and public affairs officer.
Hastings is a licensed commercial helicopter pilot with a broad range of experience and ratings in both military and civilian aircraft. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in government and political science from the University of Maryland and has completed executive studies at the Wharton School of Business and the University of Michigan.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
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 Aircraft, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems.