New CFO Leads L3Harris as Missile Unit Prepares for IPO

L3Harris has chosen Kenneth Sharp, a veteran of defense finance, to become its chief financial officer. The move comes as the current CFO, Ken Bedingfield, shifts his focus to the company’s missile division, which is set for a public listing later this year. Sharp will take over on March 16 and bring experience from roles at DXC, Northrop Grumman, and Peraton. He has a background as a Marine Corps veteran who fought in Desert Shield and Desert Storm.Bedingfield will concentrate on steering the missile business toward its planned spin‑off in late 2026. He has outlined plans to grow the unit from $3. 8 billion in 2025 to about $6. 3 billion by 2028, adding new facilities and integrating AI for quality control along with robotics and automation. The Department of Defense has pledged a $1 billion investment, which the company believes will boost confidence in further capital expenditures to upgrade production sites. The CEO noted that while the missile unit’s value may be undervalued, the market will ultimately determine its worth during the IPO. Sharp expressed enthusiasm about joining L3Harris at a pivotal moment, highlighting the company’s strong technology portfolio and commitment to innovation. The leadership team aims to support customers’ missions while building long‑term value for all stakeholders.