WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 7, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has been named to FORTUNE magazine's 2009 list of 25 Top Companies for Leaders in North America. This is the first time that Raytheon has been included in this prestigious biennial ranking.

An expert panel of judges selected and ranked winners based on criteria including strength and depth of leadership practices, culture, business performance and company reputation. This year 537 organizations were surveyed and analyzed by Hewitt Associates, in partnership with the RBL Group and FORTUNE.

"We are honored to receive this recognition," said Raytheon Chairman and CEO William H. Swanson. "We believe that a strong investment in the development of our leadership is essential to the future success of our company, customers, shareholders and communities."

The company has a number of formal programs and practices to identify and develop leaders. It's part of an overall talent management strategy, which also includes an annual Human Resources (HR) Review to facilitate discussion about leadership development, customer focus, diversity, succession planning and other HR strategies that support key business drivers.

"At Raytheon, our leadership philosophy, processes and programs ensure that we can continue to attract and build a robust pipeline of diverse leaders across the enterprise," said Keith Peden, senior vice president of Human Resources.

"Top Companies such as Raytheon have an intense focus on talent and their leadership programs are practical, relevant and aligned with business goals," said Bob Gandossy, global practice leader of Hewitt's Leadership Consulting Practice. "This mindset is what sets these organizations apart from the rest."

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Contact:
Corinne Kovalsky
781.522.5144 (office)
cjkovalsky@raytheon.com

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com/

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