Harris pair take on new executive positions

Harris Corp. has promotes two senior company representatives to lead two key business units.

George Helm, vice president of the long-term evolution business for Harris’ Public Safety and Professional Communications unit, has been named president of Harris RF Communications’ Defense Department business.

He succeeds Brendan O’Connell, who has been named president of Harris RF Communications’ International business unit.

Prior to his role with the Public Safety and Professional Communications business, Helm served as vice president and general manager of the Harris RF Communications Government Products business and held senior leadership roles in product management and product engineering organizations.

O’Connell has diverse experiences in both the DOD and international tactical communications businesses.

He served five years as vice president of U.S. DOD sales for Harris RF Communications. Prior to that, he held management positions of increasing responsibility, including director of European and Central Asia sales and director of Asia Pacific sales, Middle East sales and Government Programs. He also completed expatriate assignments in Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

Harris Corp., of Melbourne, Fla., ranks No. 13 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.