BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — Kaman Corp. announced that Russell J. Bartlett has been named the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, effective January 4, 2021. Prior to joining Kaman, Bartlett served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Textron Airborne Solutions, a division of Textron Inc. Before that, he held increasing positions of responsibility at Beechcraft Corporation ending his time as the President of Beechcraft Defense Company.
Before joining Beechcraft, he held a distinguished military career with the U.S. Navy, where he served in various roles including Team Lead for the Joint Integrated Air Capabilities and Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction groups for the Navy’s Quadrennial Defense Review cell and Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, known as “The Blue Angels”. He retired as a Captain in May 2008 after serving as the Director of Security Assistance at the Navy International Programs Office, where he was responsible for all Department of the Navy Foreign Military Sales programs.
“Russ’s diverse experience and focus within the Aerospace and Defense industries position him to further enhance our business development and operational initiatives,” stated Ian K. Walsh, President and Chief Executive Officer, “His strong leadership track record makes him ideally suited to drive improved operating performance and I look forward to Russ joining the management team and building on our strong foundation.”
Bartlett holds a BS degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 and a master’s in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He and his wife currently reside in Virginia and plan to relocate to Connecticut.
Kaman also announced that Kristen M. Samson has been named the Company’s Chief Marketing Officer, effective January 18, 2021.
Samson joins Kaman from Textron Inc. where she served as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Textron Systems. Also, while at Textron, she served as the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for TRU Simulation + Training and as the Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Lycoming Engines.
“I am happy to welcome Kristen to the team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in consumer and business to business marketing, communications, branding and product management. Her experience in driving innovative and targeted initiatives will enhance our capabilities and increase the effectiveness of our efforts, providing benefits across our organization,” said Walsh.
Samson brings more than two decades of Marketing and Communication experience to Kaman. Prior to Textron, she spent ten years in the telecommunications industry.
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