Bell Helicopter Names Hess President and Chief Operating Officer; 23-Year McDonnell Douglas/Boeing Executive Brings Experience to Post.

Business Editors

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 2002

Textron Inc.'s Bell Helicopter unit today announced that Glenn E. Hess has been named President and Chief Operating Officer.

Hess, who joins the company after a 23-year career with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, will be responsible for managing Bell's engineering, manufacturing, procurement and material management operations, filling a critical post that has been vacant since John Murphey was promoted to chairman and CEO last September.

"Glenn brings a strong background in operations and engineering management," said Murphey. "He fully understands the priorities for our company and our focus on delivering reliable, high quality products, on schedule and with exceptional value to our customers."

Textron Chairman, President and CEO Lewis B. Campbell added, "This is another step in the Textron transformation process to ensure that our companies have the very best talent and continue to drive operating improvement with a sharp focus on the customer."

Hess, 52, was previously Vice President/General Manager of Boeing's Military Aerospace Support Maintenance and Modification Business Unit in San Antonio, Texas. There he was instrumental in implementing "Lean" waste reduction techniques in the maintenance and modification areas, focusing on employee involvement in achieving significant quality, schedule and financial improvements.

Hess began his career with McDonnell Douglas, which later merged with Boeing. During his 23 years with the company he held increasingly responsible positions, including heading a combined multi-company, multi-national team to remanufacture the AV-8B Harrier, an almost $4 billion program, and the post of Vice President/General Manager of Aerospace Logistics Support Services in St. Louis.

He holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering and aeronautical sciences from Northwestern University, a masters degree in aerospace systems engineering from the University of West Florida and an MBA from Washington University.

Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company, is a $1.4 billion leading producer of commercial and military helicopters, and the pioneer of revolutionary TiltRotor aircraft. Globally recognized for customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce of over 6,000 employees serves customers flying Bell aircraft in over l20 countries.

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) is a $12 billion multi-industry company with more than 51,000 employees in 40 countries. The company leverages its global network of businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services in industries such as aircraft, fastening systems, industrial products, industrial components, and finance. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO and Greenlee, among others. More information is available at www.textron.com.