Curtiss-Wright names Kevin Rayment next CEO in 2027
Curtiss-Wright named COO Kevin M. Rayment as next President and CEO effective January 1, 2027, with outgoing CEO Lynn M. Bamford becoming Executive Chair.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (CW) announced a planned leadership transition in which Kevin M. Rayment, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and Chief Executive Officer and join the Board, effective January 1, 2027. He will succeed Lynn M. Bamford, who will retire as CEO and transition to Executive Chair after about six years in the CEO role and 22 years with the company.
Rayment, age 57, has more than 35 years of experience across Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial markets and has held multiple senior roles at Curtiss-Wright since 2004. Effective January 1, 2027, his compensation will include an annual base salary of $1,100,000, an annual target bonus opportunity equal to 125% of base salary, and a 2027 long-term incentive award with a target value of $5,225,000, allocated as 30% time-based restricted stock units, 30% equity-based performance units, and 40% equity-based performance share units.
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8-K Event Classification
2 items: 5.02, 9.01
2 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
CEO base salary: $1,100,000 per year
Target bonus opportunity: 125% of base salary
2027 long-term incentive award: $5,225,000 target value
+5 more
8 metrics
CEO base salary
$1,100,000 per year
Annual base salary for Kevin M. Rayment effective January 1, 2027
Target bonus opportunity
125% of base salary
Annual target bonus for Kevin M. Rayment effective January 1, 2027
2027 long-term incentive award
$5,225,000 target value
Award for Kevin M. Rayment effective as President and CEO in 2027
LTI mix – time-based RSUs
30%
Portion of Rayment’s 2027 long-term incentive award in time-based RSUs
LTI mix – equity-based performance units
30%
Portion of Rayment’s 2027 long-term incentive award in performance units
LTI mix – performance share units
40%
Portion of Rayment’s 2027 long-term incentive award in performance share units
Capital returned to shareholders
$1.7 billion
Share repurchases and dividends returned during Lynn Bamford’s leadership as described
Employees
Approximately 9,200
Curtiss-Wright global workforce as described in the company overview
Key Terms
Executive Chair, long-term incentive award, restricted stock units, performance share units, +2 more
6 terms
Executive Chair financial
"Ms. Bamford will transition to the role of Executive Chair"
An executive chair is the board chairperson who also takes an active, hands-on role in company management, typically working closely with the CEO and senior team to shape strategy and major decisions. For investors it matters because this blend of oversight and operational power can accelerate strategic moves and provide steady leadership—like a coach who also calls plays—but it can also concentrate authority and create governance or succession risks if too much depends on one person.
long-term incentive award financial
"approved a 2027 long-term incentive award with a target value"
A long-term incentive award is a form of compensation granted to executives or employees that pays out over several years, often as company stock, stock-like units, or cash tied to future performance goals. Investors care because these awards aim to align management’s interests with shareholder value—like giving a gardener seeds that only grow if they tend the garden well—and they can affect future share counts, reported costs, and the executive team’s motivation to meet long-range targets.
restricted stock units financial
"comprised of 30% time-based restricted stock units"
Restricted stock units are a type of company reward where employees are promised shares of stock, but they only fully own these shares after meeting certain conditions, like staying with the company for a set time. They matter because they can become valuable assets and are often used to motivate employees to help the company succeed.
free cash flow financial
"record results in sales, profitability, new orders, backlog and free cash flow"
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
backlog financial
"record results in sales, profitability, new orders, backlog and free cash flow"
A backlog is the amount of work or orders that a company has received but hasn't completed yet. It’s like a restaurant with many dishes to serve; the backlog shows how many orders are still waiting to be finished. It matters because a large backlog can indicate strong demand or potential delays in delivering products or services.
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
What leadership change did Curtiss-Wright (CW) announce?
Curtiss-Wright’s Board elected Kevin M. Rayment, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to become President and Chief Executive Officer and join the Board effective January 1, 2027, succeeding Lynn M. Bamford, who will retire as CEO and become Executive Chair.
What new compensation will Kevin M. Rayment receive as Curtiss-Wright (CW) CEO?
Effective January 1, 2027, Rayment will receive an annual base salary of $1,100,000, an annual target bonus of 125% of base salary, and a 2027 long-term incentive award with a target value of $5,225,000, split among restricted stock units and equity-based performance awards.
What role will Lynn M. Bamford have at Curtiss-Wright (CW) after stepping down as CEO?
Lynn M. Bamford will retire as Chief Executive Officer and transition to the role of Executive Chair effective January 1, 2027, after approximately six years as CEO and 22 years with Curtiss-Wright.
How does Curtiss-Wright (CW) describe Lynn Bamford’s impact as CEO?
Curtiss-Wright states that under Bamford’s leadership the company delivered record results in sales, profitability, new orders, backlog and free cash flow, returned $1.7 billion to shareholders via repurchases and dividends, and completed strategic acquisitions that accelerated organic growth.
What experience does incoming Curtiss-Wright (CW) CEO Kevin M. Rayment have?
Rayment has 35 years of experience in Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial markets. He joined Curtiss-Wright in 2004, served as President of the former Commercial/Industrial segment, and has been Chief Operating Officer since 2021, contributing to strategy, operations, and growth initiatives.
How large is Curtiss-Wright’s (CW) workforce and what markets does it serve?
Curtiss-Wright reports a workforce of approximately 9,200 employees, providing highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to Aerospace & Defense markets, and to Commercial Nuclear Power, Process and Industrial markets.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 21, 2026
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (704 ) 869-4600
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Not applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2). | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
| If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. | ☐ | ||||||||||
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
On September 21, 2026, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Curtiss-Wright Corporation (the “Company”) appointed Kevin M. Rayment to serve as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective as of January 1, 2027 (the “PEO Start Date”). Mr. Rayment has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President since January 2026 and Chief Operating Officer since April 2021, during which time he has played an instrumental role in leading the Company through a period of strong financial performance.
Mr. Rayment will succeed Lynn M. Bamford, who is retiring from her position as Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Bamford joined the Company over 22 years ago and has served as the Company’s Chair since May 2022 and Chief Executive Officer since January 2021. Effective as of the PEO Start Date, she will transition to the position of Executive Chair.
President and Chief Executive Officer Appointment
Mr. Rayment, age 57, joined the Company in 2004 and has more than 35 years of experience across the Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial Markets. Prior to his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Rayment served in several senior leadership positions across the organization, including President of the Company’s former Commercial/Industrial Segment from January 2020.
In connection with Mr. Rayment’s appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Executive Compensation Committee”) approved the following new compensation arrangements for Mr. Rayment effective as of the PEO Start Date: (i) an annual base salary of $1,100,000 and (ii) an annual target bonus opportunity of 125% of his base salary. Additionally, the Executive Compensation Committee approved a 2027 long-term incentive award with a target value equal to $5,225,000 comprised of 30% time-based restricted stock units, 30% equity-based performance units, and 40% equity-based performance share units.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Rayment and any other person pursuant to which Mr. Rayment was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer or as a member of the Board. Mr. Rayment does not have any family relationship with any director or other officer of the Company or any person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or officer. There are no transactions in which Mr. Rayment has an interest requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
A copy of the press release announcing the above leadership transition is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(d) Exhibits.
99.1 Press Release dated September 22, 2026
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the inline XBRL document)
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| CURTISS-WRIGHT CORPORATION | ||||||||
| By: /s/ K. Christopher Farkas | ||||||||
| K. Christopher Farkas | ||||||||
| Executive Vice President and | ||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||
Date: September 22, 2026 | ||||||||
 |  | |||||||||||||
| NEWS RELEASE | ||||||||||||||
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
| Contact: Jim Ryan | ||
(704) 869-4621 | ||
jim.ryan@curtisswright.com | ||
CURTISS-WRIGHT ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Chief Operating Officer Kevin M. Rayment Appointed President and Chief Executive Officer Effective January 1, 2027
Chief Executive Officer Lynn M. Bamford to Retire as CEO and Become Executive Chair
DAVIDSON, N.C. – September 22, 2026 – Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) today announced that its Board of Directors has elected Kevin M. Rayment, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Lynn M. Bamford as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2027. Rayment will also assume the role of President and join Curtiss-Wright’s Board of Directors at that time. Ms. Bamford will transition to the role of Executive Chair after six years as CEO.
Today's announcement reflects the culmination of a thoughtful, planned succession process as Curtiss-Wright continues to advance its strategy and deliver long-term profitable growth and value creation for all stakeholders.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Lynn for her steadfast leadership, strategic vision, and outstanding contributions to Curtiss-Wright,” said Robert Rivet, Lead Independent Director. “Lynn has transformed our Company through the Pivot to Growth strategy, delivering record financial performance, strengthening our capabilities in high-growth end markets, and creating significant shareholder value through disciplined capital allocation. We are grateful she will be transitioning to Executive Chair.”
Rivet added, “We are excited to welcome Kevin as Curtiss-Wright’s next President and CEO. He is a proven leader with deep knowledge of our business and customers, as well as a strong track record of operational and commercial execution. We are confident Kevin will drive continued success for Curtiss-Wright.”
Lynn Bamford has been with Curtiss-Wright for 22 years, with leadership of operations spanning over 20 countries. During her tenure as CEO, she has played a pivotal role in reshaping Curtiss-
Curtiss-Wright Corporation l Page 2
Wright into a stronger, high-growth company with prominent positions in Aerospace & Defense and Commercial markets. As a result of Lynn’s leadership, the Company has consistently achieved top quartile financial performance compared to peers, including delivering record results in sales, profitability, new orders, backlog and free cash flow. In addition, the Company has returned $1.7 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends, and has completed several strategic acquisitions that have accelerated organic growth.
“I’ve enjoyed an amazing 22-year career alongside some of the most talented people in the industry, and leading Curtiss-Wright for the past six years has been a great privilege,” said Bamford. “Today we have an exceptional product portfolio, a growing customer base, and a world-class team ready to begin the next chapter of our history under Kevin’s leadership. Kevin has played a significant role in shaping our Company and strategy, and his long-standing track record of execution and success will support a smooth transition. I am excited to see him, the leadership team, and our employees build on our momentum, and I am confident they will continue executing with discipline while delivering substantial value to shareholders.”
“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this great company and build on Lynn’s legacy as we expand our leadership positions across our markets,” said Rayment. “Lynn has put our Company in a strong position, with a profitable growth strategy that has delivered consistent margin expansion and the ability to reinvest in our business. I’m grateful to Lynn for her partnership and look forward to continuing to work with her and the Board. Our team remains committed to the engineering excellence and innovation that have defined Curtiss-Wright for nearly 100 years, and my focus will be on delivering for our customers, driving business success and creating shareholder value.”
Kevin Rayment has 35 years of experience across the Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial markets. He joined Curtiss-Wright in 2004 and has served in several senior leadership roles across the organization. Rayment has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2021, contributing to the Company’s strategic direction, operational excellence, and growth initiatives. In his prior role as President of the former Commercial/Industrial Segment, Rayment was responsible for the segment’s strategic goals, new product development, global operations, financial performance, and integrating acquisitions.
Mr. Rayment holds a BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronics Engineering Degree from Portsmouth University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Bournemouth University.
About Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) is a global integrated business that provides highly engineered products, solutions and services mainly to Aerospace & Defense markets, as well as critical technologies in demanding Commercial Nuclear Power, Process and Industrial markets. We leverage a workforce of approximately 9,200 highly skilled employees who develop, design and build what we believe are the best engineered solutions to the markets we serve. Building on the heritage of Glenn Curtiss and the Wright brothers, Curtiss-Wright has a long tradition of providing innovative solutions through trusted customer relationships. For more information, visit www.curtisswright.com.
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