Karman Space & Defense (NYSE: KRMN) announced that Chris Boynton will join the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on September 14, replacing current CFO Mike Willis, who will depart by year-end following a phased transition.

The Huntington Beach, Calif.-based defense and space contractor said the leadership change stems from a succession planning process following its February 2025 initial public offering.

Boynton most recently served as Executive Vice President and CFO of Battelle since 2023, where he led a restructuring of the company's global finance organization. He previously spent more than 20 years at RTX (NYSE: RTX), holding several senior financial roles, including CFO of Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Vice President & CFO of RTX Enterprise Services.

CEO Jon Rambeau cited Boynton's public company background and experience as a CFO for a major U.S. government contractor as factors in the selection. "His extensive public company experience, coupled with several years as CFO for a major U.S. Government contractor, have prepared him well to be the right leader, at the right time, to take Karman to the next level," Rambeau said.

Willis joined Karman four years ago and led the company's finance team through multiple acquisitions and its public market debut. "It has been a privilege to be part of Karman's transformation over the past four years and to help lead the Company through its IPO and transition to the public markets," Willis said in a statement.