Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) today announced that effective December 31, 2009, Executive Vice President Mary Howell will retire from Textron after 30 years of service to the company, after which she plans to remain active in the national defense and foreign policy arena.

Howell joined Textron in 1980 and has been an officer of the corporation for 24 years. She has served on the Management Committee, comprised of Textron’s top executives responsible for the management of the company, for the past 15 years.

Over the past three decades, Howell has helped drive strategic change and growth across Textron and within its individual businesses, especially in the areas of defense, international expansion, and strategic marketing.

“Mary’s leadership in Textron’s defense businesses contributed significantly to the success of the V-22 and H-1 programs, which are vital to the United States Marine Corps,” said Textron Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lewis B. Campbell. “She had an unwavering commitment to our military customers and played a key role in our strategic acquisitions to strengthen our defense capabilities. In addition, Mary has been an effective leader in our pursuit of global business expansion, most recently in India and China.”

“On behalf of the entire Textron organization, we thank Mary for her many contributions and wish her great success in her future endeavors,” said Scott C. Donnelly, Textron’s President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer-Elect.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee and Textron Systems. More information is available at www.textron.com.