Leadership Transition at Honeywell Aerospace: Implications for the Defense Sector
New Executive Appointments
On November 3, 2025, Honeywell classified Jim Currier as the new president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, ushering in a pivotal phase for the company. This leadership change coincides with the anticipated separation of Honeywell Aerospace, which aims to become an independent publicly traded entity by the latter half of 2026.
Craig Arnold has also been designated to chair the board of directors for Honeywell Aerospace, stepping into the role upon completion of the spin-off. He currently serves on Honeywell’s board of directors, effective immediately, ensuring continuity during this transitional period.
Market Position and Strategic Focus
Once established as an independent company, Honeywell Aerospace is projected to emerge as one of the largest publicly traded pure-play aerospace suppliers, with expected revenues exceeding USD 15 billion (approximately EUR 13 billion) in 2024.
Key sectors within Honeywell Aerospace include:
- Propulsion Systems
- Cockpit and Navigation Technologies
- Auxiliary Power Units
The company is active across almost every military and commercial aviation platform globally. This strategic positioning allows Honeywell Aerospace to leverage substantial long-term growth trends within the defense and aerospace markets.
Leadership Insights
Vimal Kapur, Honeywell’s chairman and CEO, highlighted the importance of Currier and Arnold’s combined expertise, noting that their extensive backgrounds in aerospace and industrial operations uniquely qualify them to lead the new entity. Kapur emphasized that as a focused supplier, Honeywell Aerospace will benefit from increased agility to promote innovation while optimizing capital strategies.
Jim Currier’s Expertise
Currier’s background is rooted deeply within Honeywell; he has held numerous senior roles since 2023, including president of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. His nearly two decades at the company span various regions and sectors, showcasing a breadth of experience that encompasses:
- Electronic Solutions
- Global Aftermarket Operations
- North American Airlines Division
Kapur pointed out that Currier’s profound understanding of the aerospace supply chain and customer relations makes him well-equipped to drive aggressive growth and efficiency.
Craig Arnold’s Background
Arnold’s credentials further enhance the leadership stability at Honeywell Aerospace. His prior experience as chairman and CEO of Eaton Corporation and his long tenure at General Electric lend a wealth of strategic knowledge and proven transformational leadership. Currently, he also serves as the lead director on the board of Medtronic.
Kapur remarked on Arnold’s track record of achieving significant improvements, indicating that his governance will play a crucial role in shaping Honeywell Aerospace’s future direction.
Ongoing Corporate Restructuring
Honeywell’s commitment to spinning off its Aerospace Technologies business was first revealed on February 6, 2025. This strategic move follows another spin-off on October 8, 2024, with the Advanced Materials division, which transitioned to Solstice Advanced Materials and became an independent publicly traded company on October 30, 2025.
The ongoing separation reflects a broader trend within the defense sector where specialized entities can focus on core competencies and adapt swiftly to evolving market demands.
Conclusion
Honeywell Aerospace stands on the brink of a transformative era under the guidance of Jim Currier and Craig Arnold. With the leadership team’s extensive experience and strategic vision, the company is poised not only to address current defense industry challenges but also to seize upcoming growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive landscape. As it transitions into a standalone entity, the implications for stakeholders—ranging from investors to military clients—will be significant as it reshapes its operational priorities and technological advancements.
