Gregory J. Hayes

Gregory J. Hayes is an American business executive who served as the chairman and chief executive officer of Raytheon Technologies, the aerospace and defense conglomerate formed by the merger of United Technologies Corporation and Raytheon Company. He previously held the same roles at United Technologies Corporation and was instrumental in its strategic transformation, including the spin-offs of its Carrier Global and Otis Worldwide businesses. Hayes is recognized as a leading figure in the global defense industry and aerospace manufacturing.

Early life and education

Gregory J. Hayes was born in 1960 and grew up in the Midwestern United States. He pursued his higher education at Purdue University, a prominent institution known for its engineering programs. At Purdue, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, which provided a technical foundation for his future career in industrial manufacturing. Following his undergraduate studies, he furthered his business acumen by obtaining a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University Bloomington.

Career at United Technologies and Raytheon

Hayes began his professional career in 1983 at the General Electric Company, working in its financial management program. He joined United Technologies Corporation in 1999 as vice president and controller, later ascending to become senior vice president and chief financial officer in 2008. During his tenure as CFO, he managed significant financial operations through major events like the Great Recession and oversaw capital allocation for the corporation's diverse portfolio, which included Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace. In 2014, he was appointed president and chief operating officer, and succeeded Louis Chênevert as chief executive officer in 2014, later adding the chairman title in 2016. His leadership at United Technologies Corporation was marked by the strategic decision to acquire the Rockwell Collins avionics business and to pursue the merger with the Raytheon Company.

Raytheon Technologies leadership

As the architect of one of the largest defense industry mergers in history, Hayes led the combination of United Technologies Corporation and the Raytheon Company in 2020, creating Raytheon Technologies. He served as the chairman and CEO of the new entity, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Under his guidance, the company, which operates through four main subsidiaries—Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, Raytheon Intelligence & Space, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense—consolidated its position as a premier defense contractor. Hayes navigated the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on integrating technologies across its portfolio to address priorities for the United States Department of Defense and allied nations like the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. He stepped down as CEO in early 2023, succeeded by Christopher T. Calio, and retired as executive chairman later that year.

Other professional roles and board memberships

Beyond his executive roles, Hayes has held significant positions on corporate and advisory boards. He served as a member of the Business Roundtable and was appointed to the National Space Council's Users Advisory Group. His corporate board service includes directorships at RTX Corporation (the renamed Raytheon Technologies), Boeing, and previously at Carrier Global. He has also been involved with industry associations such as the Aerospace Industries Association and has served on the board of trustees for the Purdue Research Foundation.

Personal life

Gregory J. Hayes maintains a relatively private personal life. He is married and has two children. An avid supporter of his alma mater, he has been actively involved with Purdue University, contributing to initiatives in engineering and management education. His philanthropic interests and community involvement are often channeled through corporate partnerships and educational foundations associated with the defense and aerospace sectors. Category:American chief executives Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:Purdue University alumni Category:RTX Corporation people