James Hardymon Will Get Top Post at Textron

Textron Inc. said that James F. Hardymon will take over as chief executive on Jan. 1 as the conglomerate prepares for its chairman’s retirement at the end of next year.

“These appointments are part of the transition for my planned retirement,” said Beverly F. Dolan, chairman and the outgoing chief executive.

Dolan has announced that he will retire Dec. 31, 1992, at the age of 65. He will remain chairman until his retirement.

Hardymon, 56, has been president and chief operating officer since joining Textron in December, 1989. John S. Kleban will succeed Hardymon as chief operating officer and will assume the title of executive vice president.

Hardymon was president and chief operating officer at St. Louis-based Emerson Electric Co. before joining Textron.

Kleban, 52, was hired by Textron in 1981 at its Textron Aerostructures division in Nashville, Tenn. He previously worked for International Business Machines Corp. and General Electric Co.

Providence, R.I.-based Textron manufactures commercial and aerospace products ranging from hand-held power tools to Bell helicopters. It also has interests in financial services.