Textron Systems Promotes Bill Irby to AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems General Manager

Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced today the promotion of Bill Irby to senior vice president and general manager of AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems.

Irby, who joined AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in 2009 as vice president of Ground Control Technologies, will lead the business as it continues to expand its solutions, including its next-generation UAS and ground control stations such as the Shadow® M2 and the Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS), and related services. He will report directly to Textron Systems President and CEO Ellen Lord.

“I am confident Bill will help grow the business and ensure the team remains one of the most respected in the unmanned systems field,” said Ellen Lord, president and CEO of Textron Systems. “Bill is an effective leader, who builds teams focused on solid execution and strong customer and partner relationships that will be central to the continued success of AAI UAS in supporting our customers’ missions worldwide.”

Prior to joining AAI UAS, Irby held several leadership roles over a 15-year period at Northrop Grumman. He has successfully led capture and program teams in winning programs and growing the business. Earlier in his career, he served as Combat Engineer Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, overseeing engineering missions around the world. Irby holds a master’s degree in Technical Management from The Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in General Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.