Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. company (NYSE: TXT), announced today the opening of a new branch in Milan, Italy. Effective immediately, Roberto Farnese will assume the role of Regional Sales Manager (RSM) in of the new office, responsible for overseeing marketing and sales activities within Southern Europe.

“We are pleased to welcome the newest member to the Bell Helicopter team as we continue to grow our presence in Europe,” said Patrick Moulay, Bell Helicopter’s managing director of European sales. “By establishing an additional local branch in Europe, we are better positioned to serve our customers and demonstrate our commitment to their needs.”

Farnese joins Bell Helicopter from Italy-based AgustaWestland where his latest assignment was Head of Civil Market Development. His experience includes new product launch and positioning, as well as product strategy and financing support. Prior to that he worked as a business consultant with Accenture. Farnese holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Milano Politecnico and a master’s degree in Impact Engineering from Worcester Polytechnique Institute.

About Bell Helicopter

Bell Helicopter, a wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical-lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tiltrotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell’s global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit www.textron.com.