Chris Kubasik, 65, has been ousted as chairman and chief executive of defense contractor L3Harris following an investigation into his conduct. The Wall Street Journal reported that female executives at the company had been cautioned against being alone with Kubasik and advised to be careful when traveling on the company's private jet.
According to the report, several women at L3Harris raised concerns about Kubasik's behavior, with one employee filing a formal complaint with human resources in 2023. The complaint accused Kubasik of sexual harassment. He has denied all allegations through a spokesperson.
Sources indicated that the employee who filed the complaint left the company, and it remains unclear if her allegations were formally investigated. Following another accusation, the company's directors initiated a probe, engaging lawyers to conduct an investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct with a subordinate, as well as aggressive and profane behavior.
L3Harris stated that Kubasik violated the company's code of conduct, leading to his departure. The company confirmed he is leaving without severance, and a separation agreement stipulated that Kubasik did not admit to violating any policies. A spokesperson for Kubasik stated, "Mr. Kubasik categorically denies that he had a relationship with a subordinate and denies that any such allegation was the basis for the negotiated separation agreement."
Kubasik's exit results in the forfeiture of approximately $58 million in unvested stock and a severance package valued at around $9 million. He retains vested stock options worth an estimated $28 million and owns about $59 million in company stock.
This marks the second time Kubasik has departed a senior executive role following allegations of misconduct with an employee. In 2012, while president of Lockheed Martin and slated to become CEO, he was asked to step down after a probe found he had a "lengthy, close personal relationship" with a subordinate, a fact revealed by a whistleblower. At the time, Kubasik expressed regret for his conduct.
He later joined Seabury Advisory Group as CEO before moving to L3 Technologies in 2015 as president. In 2019, he oversaw the $15 billion merger between L3 and Harris Corp., forming L3Harris.
Kubasik has been married to his wife, Jane, since 1985. Public records show they own a $4.8 million home in Florida and a New York City condo valued at over $5.2 million.