Richard “Rich” Benton Jr. is vice president and general manager of Stratford-based Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, within the Rotary and Mission Systems business area. He oversees about 9,000 employees responsible for government and commercial rotorcraft programs, including aircraft such as the Black Hawk, Seahawk, CH-53K, S-92 and S-76.
Benton has more than 25 years of experience in aerospace and defense, holding roles in program management, global supply chain, international capture and mergers and acquisitions. He previously led Lockheed Martin’s Training and Logistics Solutions business and earlier served as vice president of transformation for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Over the past year, Sikorsky delivered more than 109 aircraft worldwide, demonstrated an autonomous S-70UAS U-Hawk helicopter and unveiled the Nomad uncrewed aerial aircraft. The company also secured a multiyear contract to build up to 99 CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps at its Stratford manufacturing facility.
Benton said one of the company’s main challenges is recruiting and retaining highly skilled engineers and technicians, while its biggest opportunity lies in expanding aircraft capabilities to meet evolving military and commercial missions.
What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today?
Ownership, accountability and the ability to anticipate are essential for effective leadership. We are one team. A win for one team is a win for us all; a loss for one team is a loss for all.
What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut?
Sikorsky’s community involvement and social impact. We partner with local academia from a STEM perspective to build our talent pipeline, and we are proud supporters of local military and veteran organizations. There is rarely a place I go in Connecticut that doesn’t have some connection to Sikorsky and our mission.
Check out the other 2026 Power Players
Book recommendations: “Turn the Ship Around” by David Marquet; “Extreme Ownership: How the U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin; “Team of Teams” by Gen. Stanley McChrystal
Go-to news media outlets: Hartford Business Journal, Forbes, Axios and other industry publications.
Hobby or leisure activity: Fishing, cycling and volunteerism