Harris names new COO

Veteran Harris Corp. executive Daniel R. Pearson has been named the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer responsible for the company’s primary day-to-day business operations and oversight of five business lines.

He previously was group president of Harris’ Government Communications business. Pearson, who starts in his new position June 1, will replace retiring COO Robert K. Henry, who plans to leave the company in August after a transition period.

Pearson will report directly to company chairman, president and chief executive Howard L. Lance. Specifically, Pearson will oversee the company’s government, defense, information technology services, health care and cyber businesses, the company said in a May 24 statement. The company’s broadcast business will continue to report directly to Lance.

“He will focus on continuing to drive growth across this broader group of businesses and executing our companywide business strategy,” Lance said in the statement.

Pearson has managed a number of operations at Harris over the past 33 years. He has served as president of the company’s Government Communications Systems unit, Defense Department Programs unit and Network Support division. He also has served as vice president and general manager of strategic management and business development for the company’s government business.

Sheldon J. Fox will succeed Pearson as group president of Harris’ Government Communications Systems business, reporting to Pearson, the company also said. Fox previously was president of the company’s national programs. He is a 26-year-veteran of the company who has held a series of management positions related to both program management and business development, particularly as it relates the company’s defense business.

Harris, of Melbourne, Fla., ranks No. 13 on Washington Technology's 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.