01—Abstract
Summary
Summary of the 8-K filed September 22, 2026. Cited figures are marked; the original filing is the authoritative source.
Curtiss-Wright (NYSE: CW) announced a planned CEO succession.
Its Board appointed Kevin M. Rayment, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a Board member, effective January 1, 2027. Lynn M.
Bamford, CEO since January 2021 and Chair since May 2022, will retire as CEO and become Executive Chair on the same date. The filing and press release describe the change as a planned, orderly process, not a response to a performance problem. For investors, the key points are continuity and disclosed pay.
Rayment joined the Company in 2004, has more than 35 years of experience across Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial markets, and previously led the former Commercial/Industrial Segment. Bamford's continued role as Executive Chair should help preserve strategic continuity. The Compensation Committee set Rayment's base salary at $1,100,000,a a target bonus of 125% of base salary, and a 2027 long-term incentive award with a target value of $5,225,000, split 30% time-based RSUs, 30% performance units and 40% performance share units.
The filing reports no related-party transactions and no arrangements tied to the appointment. The filing contains no financial results, guidance or changes to the strategy.
Management attributes the company's record results and shareholder returns to Bamford's tenure, citing $1.7 billionb returned to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. Investors will likely watch for any change in strategic priorities under Rayment, the Pivot to Growth strategy, and capital allocation, though the filing does not address these.
02—Key points
Key Highlights
- Kevin M. Rayment, EVP and COO, appointed President, CEO and Board member effective January 1, 2027, succeeding Lynn M. Bamford.
- Bamford, CEO since January 2021 and Chair since May 2022, retires as CEO and becomes Executive Chair on the same date.
- Rayment's compensation: $1,100,000 base salary, 125% target bonus, and a 2027 LTI award with a $5,225,000 target value (30% RSUs, 30% performance units, 40% performance share units).
- Rayment, age 57, joined Curtiss-Wright in 2004 and has over 35 years of experience across A&D, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial markets.
- The transition is described as a planned succession, with Bamford citing a smooth handover and continuity of the Pivot to Growth strategy.
- The company reports $1.7 billion returned to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends during Bamford's tenure, per the press release.
- The filing includes no financial results, guidance or strategy changes, and reports no related-party transactions or undisclosed arrangements for Rayment.
03—Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Curtiss-Wright changing its CEO?
The company describes the change as a planned, thoughtful succession process. Bamford, who has led the company as CEO since January 2021 and joined over 22 years ago, is retiring as CEO and moving to Executive Chair. The filing does not cite performance concerns.
Who is Kevin Rayment and what is his background?
Rayment is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He joined the company in 2004, has more than 35 years of experience across Aerospace & Defense, Commercial Nuclear and Industrial markets, and previously served as President of the former Commercial/Industrial Segment. He holds a BEng in Electrical & Electronics Engineering and an MBA.
When does the leadership change take effect?
Rayment becomes President, CEO and a Board member, and Bamford becomes Executive Chair, effective January 1, 2027.
What compensation has been set for the new CEO?
Effective with his appointment, Rayment's base salary is $1,100,000 with a target bonus of 125% of base salary. He also received a 2027 long-term incentive award with a target value of $5,225,000, comprised of 30% time-based RSUs, 30% equity-based performance units and 40% equity-based performance share units.
Does the filing indicate any change in strategy or financial outlook?
No. The filing contains no financial results, guidance or strategic changes. Leadership statements emphasize continuity with the Pivot to Growth strategy, disciplined capital allocation and the company's existing momentum.
04—Continue