Raytheon names new president of Integrated Defense Systems

Thomas Kennedy has been named president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, effective immediately, succeeding Daniel Smith, who will retire from the company July 30.

Kennedy brings significant experience in defense, sensing and intelligence technologies and international management to IDS’ top leadership role, according to a company statement issued today.

He most recently served as vice president for Tactical Airborne Systems within Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) business.

In his 27-year career at Raytheon, Kennedy has held a variety of leadership roles, principally at the company’s SAS business. Previously, he served as vice president for the SAS Mission System Integration business, with responsibility for the U.K. Ministry of Defence’s Airborne Stand-off Radar program.

Kennedy holds several patents related to radar and electronic warfare systems.

Kennedy attained the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force, with responsibility for managing satellite launch vehicle avionics development and production programs.

Kennedy holds a doctorate in engineering from the University of California at Los Angeles and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from Rutgers University and the Air Force Institute of Technology, respectively.

Raytheon Co., of Waltham, Mass., ranks No. 4 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.