Chris Kubasik stepped down as chairman and CEO of L3Harris Technologies on August 17, 2026, and Sam Mehta was named president and chief executive officer effective immediately. Mehta also joined the Board, while Lewis Hay III became independent chairman.
Kubasik’s departure also ended his service as a member of the Board. The company said the changes took effect immediately, leaving Mehta in charge as L3Harris carried forward a leadership reset centered on its largest operating segments.
Sam Mehta and the Board
Mehta joined L3Harris in 2023 and most recently led Space & Mission Systems and Communications & Spectrum Dominance. Those two segments make up more than 80% of total revenue, which puts his prior role at the center of the company’s operating base.
Lewis Hay III said, “Sam is a proven executive who brings deep knowledge of our business, priorities and culture, making him ideally suited to become President and CEO of L3Harris at this important time in our company's and our nation's history.” He also said, “I am pleased to assume the role of Independent Chairman of the Board of L3Harris. Working side by side with my fellow directors, Sam and the rest of L3Harris leadership, we are focused on delivering on our key priorities for the benefit of our customers, partners and shareholders.”
Lewis Hay III on succession
Hay also said, “Chris has overseen significant transformation during his tenure at L3Harris, and he has built a strong team to carry the business forward.” He added, “However, our values guide the actions we take each day as The Trusted Disruptor and are at the center of everything we do.”
He said, “The Board and Chris have agreed that implementing our succession plan today is the right thing to do.” That leaves one part of the transition unanswered: what specific conduct or circumstances prompted Kubasik’s departure.
Space & Mission Systems
L3Harris also named Lauren Barnes president of Space & Mission Systems and Christopher Aebli president of Communications & Spectrum Dominance. Kenneth Bedingfield remains president of Missile Solutions, and the company said its previously announced $3 billion capital buildout remains in place to increase solid rocket motor production and strengthen its supply chain.
For customers, employees and investors, the immediate change is a new chain of command across the company’s core segments and board leadership. Mehta now holds the top operating role, Hay oversees the board independently, and the company continues under the same capital plan while the succession plan moves into execution.
