Category: About People

Raytheon Technologies Appoints Calio as COO and Names Eddy as President of Pratt & Whitney

Raytheon Technologies Corporation announced the appointment of Christopher T. Calio as chief operating officer and named Shane G. Eddy to succeed Calio as president of its Pratt & Whitney business unit, effective March 1, 2022.

Christopher T. Calio

As COO, Calio will oversee the company’s four business units as well as its technology and engineering; enterprise services and digital; and operations, quality, environmental, health and safety and supply chain functions. Calio will continue to report directly to chairman and CEO Greg Hayes.

“Chris is a tested leader who has successfully steered Pratt & Whitney through one of the most dynamic and challenging periods in aerospace history,” said Raytheon Technologies chairman and CEO Greg Hayes. “He has guided strategic investments and delivered industry-leading innovation across commercial and military programs. As we execute on our strategy, including our commitment to develop talent across the organization, Chris’ experience and leadership will help advance the company’s growth and transformation initiatives.”

Shane G. Eddy

With over 20 years of executive leadership experience, Calio has spent the past decade in aerospace and defense. In his most recent position as President of Pratt & Whitney, he oversaw the significant ramp and introduction of numerous product enhancements, including the recent introduction of the GTF Advantage engine as well as the F135 program.

Shane Eddy, currently SVP and chief operations officer at Pratt & Whitney, replaces Calio as president of Pratt & Whitney.

“Shane’s significant aerospace industry leadership experience and in-depth understanding of Pratt & Whitney’s products and culture makes him the ideal leader to take the business through its next phase of growth,” said Hayes. “Building on his proficiency running global operations, Shane’s management and operational expertise will help drive continued optimization of the business.”

Eddy joined Pratt & Whitney in 2016, with prior experience at GE Aviation, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Bell Textron. 

Stark to Become new Chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik

The chairman of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik, Dr. Johannes Bussmann, will leave the Lufthansa Group at his own request later this year. After more than seven years in his current role and 10 years on the Executive Board, he will hand over leadership of the company to COO Soeren Stark. 

Stark has been a member of the Executive Board of Lufthansa Technik since 2019. He previously held a number of other executive functions at Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa Technik. Subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, he will assume his new role on 1 July 2022. Johannes Bussmann assumed leadership of the world’s leading provider of technical services in aviation in 2015 after overseeing human resources on the Executive Board for three years. After leaving Lufthansa Technik, he will become CEO of a major German technology company.

“I look back with great gratitude on my years as Chairman of the Executive Board and my 23-year career at Lufthansa Technik,” Johannes Bussmann said. “We have achieved great things during this time. I am really proud to have been a part of this success story and to have had the opportunity to lead this company over the past seven years. The time has come for me to take on new responsilities outside the aviation industry. It is a challenge that I am looking forward to tackling.”

“The chairman of Lufthansa Technik’s Supervisory Board, Dr. Detlef Kayser, said: “I would like to thank Johannes Bussmann for his outstanding work at Lufthansa Technik. He and his team have led the company safely through the crisis. Above all, he played a special role in the success and growth story that Lufthansa Technik has written in recent years. I therefore wish him all the best for the future.”

Bussmann, who holds a doctorate in engineering, began his career at Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg in 1999 as a development engineer. After serving in various marketing and sales positions, he became head of the Component Supply business unit in 2007 and then of the Engine Services business unit in 2011. He was appointed to Lufthansa Technik’s Executive Board in 2012. Bussmann implemented the company’s growth and investment strategy. He also decisively drove the digitalization of the company and the development of digital products, most notably the AVIATAR digital platform for optimizing flight operations. 

His appointed successor, Soeren Stark, joined Lufthansa Technik’s Executive Board as Chief Operations Officer in January 2019. In this role, he is responsible for Technical Operations and Logistics. Previously, Stark headed the Executive Board department Operations at Lufthansa Cargo AG for three years. He began his career at Lufthansa Technik in 2004 as Managing Director of Lufthansa Technik Logistik in Hamburg. From 2011 to 2016, the industrial engineer headed the aircraft overhaul business at Lufthansa Technik AG.

Commenting on the appointment, Detlef Kayser said, “Soeren Stark has distinguished himself in various positions in our Group and achieved much. At Lufthansa Technik, he has demonstrated his abilities as an excellent manager as he developed our worldwide overhaul network and played a key role in the restructuring work performed during the corona crisis, among other areas. With his high level of expertise, experience and leadership, he will lead Lufthansa Technik successfully into the future.”

Kayser also said the early succession arrangement would ensure continuity at the top of Lufthansa Technik. It is a decision that will enable the company to defend and expand its position as the world’s leading provider of technical services, he noted.

TP Aerospace Announces Nikolaj Jacobsen as New CEO

Effective January 1, 2022, co-founder and CEO Peter Lyager will step down as executive director of TP Aerospace and transition to a non-executive position in the company’s board of directors. Nikolaj Jacobsen, who joined TP Aerospace as CFO in 2018, has been appointed new CEO of the company alongside president and co-founder Thomas Ibsø.

As part of the planned succession of TP Aerospace, the board of directors along with the existing executive management team is pleased to announce the appointment of Nikolaj Jacobsen as the new CEO of the company, effective January 1, 2022.

Nikolaj Jacobsen has been with the company since 2018, first as CFO, and for the last year as Group COO & CFO.

“Both the Board of Directors and the shareholders of TP Aerospace are very pleased that Nikolaj Jacobsen has accepted the position as CEO. Since his first day at TP Aerospace, Nikolaj has demonstrated great leadership and an exceptional flair and passion for the industry and the company, both of which are absolute key to leading the company.” says Flemming Jensen, Chairman of the Board and adds: “At the same time, we thank Peter for his commitment over the years. Together with Thomas Ibsø, Peter has founded and built a strong and unique company that is now in a really good position to continue its growth journey as the industry starts its recovery from the pandemic.”

Peter Lyager will continue to be invested in TP Aerospace as continued co-owner and will transition to non-executive director in the board of directors from where he will continue to be involved in setting the strategic direction for TP Aerospace.

In October 2021, TP Aerospace welcomed Tinneke Torpe as new CFO of TP Aerospace, who together with Nikolaj Jacobsen and Thomas Ibsø, president and co-founder, will constitute the company’s executive management team.

Ivette Damish Named Vice President, Business Development for the Technical Services Division

Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB) announced the promotion of Ivette Damish to vice president, Business Development, Technical Services Division, effective immediately. In this new role, she is responsible for the oversight and management of business development activities while helping clients solve challenges by identifying solutions with technical publications authoring, graphics, data conversion, and logistics services.

Brown joined DTB in 2012 as a Business Development Executive and has worked tirelessly to increase the customer base and revenue for the Division. She previously served as director of Business Development where she recruited and trained a team of professionals to further grow and expand the business. Prior to joining DTB, Ivette was the vice president of Business Development for Dimension4 where she was responsible for overseeing business development activities, program management, and contract fulfillment.

“Achieving excellence in all that we do requires exceptional talent and leadership and I’m delighted to recognize Ivette’s important contributions to DTB with this well-deserved promotion. Ivette is a forward thinker with a deep understanding of the complex environment we operate in and already plays a central role in finding solutions for our customer requirements,” said Nelson Cubano, vice president and general manager, Technical Services Division at DTB. “She also has an infectious passion for her work and can recruit and build the bench strength needed as we continue to grow the Technical Services Division.”

Sheholds a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree with an emphasis in Architecture from Texas A&M University.

Jim Kelly Named President of Dayton T. Brown, Inc.

Dayton T. Brown, Jr. announced the promotion of Jim Kelly to President of Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB) effective January 1, 2022. His new role encompasses the direction of the entire corporation and responsibility for all three divisions – Technical Services, Engineering and Test, and Mission Systems, as well as all general and administrative services and support functions.

Since joining the Company, Jim has been promoted multiple times in recognition of the talent and capabilities he brings to the team. He joined DTB in 2008 as a business development manager for the Technical Services Division. He was named vice president, Sales and Marketing, Technical Services Division in 2010, and senior vice president, Corporate Sales and Marketing in 2014. In 2015 he was named senior vice president/General Manager, Technical Services Division. His most recent appointment in December of 2020 was executive vice president – managing all three divisions.

While his full-time employment at DTB began in 2008, his relationship and roots began much earlier when he attended activities at the Company as a child with his dad, Jim Kelly, Sr. who also worked there. While pursuing his college degree, Jim worked in the Paint Shop in the Manufacturing Division and fulfilled many other roles as a summer hire between semesters, strengthening his knowledge and commitment to DTB.

“Under Jim’s leadership, the company continues to grow and prosper. His vision to inspire and grow this talented team and to expand our operations by building on current successes, creating a ‘can-do’ culture, facilitating teamwork, and streamlining and automating functions will lead DTB into a new era of success,” commented Dayton T. Brown, Jr., chairman and chief executive at DTB. “His strategic vision, hard work, dedication, and leadership have had a profound and positive effect on the company and will take us forward to confront tomorrow’s challenges and drive the growth of the business,” he continued.

AJW Group Appoints Whitty as Director of Aircraft and Engine Procurement

AJW Group has announced the appointment of Tony Whitty as director of Aircraft and Engine Procurement. Whitty who joined the business on 29th November 2021, will be responsible for aircraft and engine acquisitions across the AJW Group.

The company says Whitty will use his diverse experience in aircraft remarketing for airlines, banks and other aircraft owners to assist AJW Group in its aircraft and engine trading business.

Whitty started his career in aircraft remarketing in 1990 with Fortis Aviation. He has been based both in Europe and the USA and has achieved considerable success in aircraft remarketing on behalf of a variety of airline and financial sector clients. Whitty was one of the founders of Cabot Aviation in 1998 and subsequently worked for Air Partner since 2015.

Whitty will be based at AJW’s Headquarters in Slinfold, West Sussex, UK and will report directly to the Group President and CEO, Christopher Whiteside.

Tony is a committee member and treasurer of The Aviation Club UK and a member of ISTAT.

“At AJW, we rely heavily on the excellent relationships we have with airlines, banks and lessors across the industry to help us source inventory for our business,” said Christopher Whiteside, president and CEO of AJW Group. “Tony’s appointment reflects our commitment to delivering market-leading services as we continue to expand and support our customers in their pursuit of ever-improved efficiency and operational reliability. Tony’s wealth of industry experience will be instrumental to our future aircraft and engine procurement strategy and we warmly welcome him to the business.”

Whitty added: “I am delighted to join AJW as Director of Aircraft and Engine Procurement. As a fast-growing and global business, AJW’s strategic procurement strategy is central to ensuring it maintains the high standards that it is known for around the world.”

Safran Electrical & Power’s Interconnection Systems Americas Appoints Varela as EVP/GM

Starting on December 1st, 2021, Ricardo Varela is appointed executive vice president and general manager of Safran Electrical & Power’s Interconnection Systems Americas division, which specializes in aeronautical electrical cabling for western hemisphere. He will replace Jorge Ortega, who has been appointed CEO of Safran Cabin.

Varela began his career in 1996 as General Manager of Integradora Makawi (agro industry). In 2000, he joined Johnson Controls (automotive) as Maintenance Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and Logistics leader.

In 2002, he was hired by Labinal in Chihuahua, which has since become Safran Electrical & Power, as Materials superintendent. In 2004, he was appointed program manager for Hawker Beechcraft, then in 2006, he became General Manager Design Office for Mexico. In 2008, he joined the Everett site in the US as Engineering leader of the Boeing 787 end-to-end program.

In 2010, he was appointed general manager of Safran Engineering Services Americas, and then in 2018, he became Vice President of Boeing projects for the Interconnection Systems Americas division in addition to this role.

Varela, 48, is a graduate of the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (1996), Mexico.

Four Corners Aviation Forms Senior Leadership Team

Four Corners Aviation President and COO Cameron Gowans has announced initial appointments to the company’s senior leadership team. The team will provide leadership to the new organization dedicated to enabling customers to have all the benefits of their own scalable aviation department.

“We are proud of this newly formed team of skilled industry professionals, which will take the Corporate Jet as a Service (CJaaS), a fully integrated lift solution offered through ‘Freedom by Four Corners Aviation,’ to clients across the country,” said Gowans. “This powerful group is charged with ensuring that we execute well and deliver the best product to our clientele.” Freedom by Four Corners Aviation is a way for clients to enjoy the multiple benefits of private jet travel, without worrying about ownership, financing, operations, insurance, crew management, maintenance, or any of the additional aggravations associated with private jet travel.
Diana Schneider
Phil Leone
Ray Bennett
Mike Jefcoat
This approach to business jet access protects and preserves shareholder and client capital.

Here are the new people and positions:

Client Services: Diana Schneider, vice president, Client Services, joined the organization now known as Four Corners Aviation in 2019. She began her career in aviation as an accountant / controller in 2007, and acquired her unique understanding of the industry through the changing needs of operators with which she was affiliated. This allowed her to learn many different aspects of aviation.   Schneider possesses extensive financial, managerial and organizational experience in a variety of other industries as well. She gained valuable knowledge as part of a start-up and consulted for organizations that were in the process of restructuring. She holds a bachelor’s, as well as a post-graduate certificate, from Montclair State University.  

Sales: Ray Bennett Vice President, Sales, brings 30 years of aviation sales experience to Four Corners Aviation. He has been in sales and sales management roles for avionics, fractional aircraft, aircraft manufacturers, aircraft parts distribution, and aircraft management organizations.   Bennett grew up in an aviation-based family in Omaha, Neb., and is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. He is a multi-engine commercial pilot and certified drone pilot.  

Operations: Mike Jefcoat, vice president, Operations, has been in aviation for over 25 years. He began his professional career as a pilot for Delta Connection, flying both domestic and international routes. During his 18 years as an airline pilot, Jefcoat amassed more than 11,000 flight hours, the majority as a captain on Bombardier’s series of regional jets.   In addition to his time in the cockpit, he served as a consultant with ATP Flight School to assist and implement an industry leading jet transition course for aspiring professional pilots. He also spent several years as a volunteer in aviation security with the Air Line Pilots Association at local and national levels. In 2017, Jefcoat made the transition to business aviation as the chief pilot for FlightWorks, Inc., where he rose to director of operations.   He also served as an FAA approved check airman on the Hawker 800 and Challenger 300 series of aircraft. In his time with FlightWorks, he was awarded a business aviation leadership scholarship through Georgia State University and the Georgia Business Aviation Association. He graduated cum laude from Utah Valley University, with a bachelor’s in aviation science.  

Safety and Security: Phil Leone, vice president, Safety and Security, brings 27 years of aviation experience to Four Corners Aviation. He served 26 years in the New York Air National Guard as an aircraft commander, instructor and evaluator in the C-5A Galaxy, as well as an aircraft commander in the C-17 Globemaster, flying missions in theaters throughout the world.   Leone is an Air Force trained safety professional having served as the chief of safety for the 105th Airlift Wing in Newburgh, N.Y., with over a billion dollars of aircraft and 1,200 personnel. He is type rated in the Boeing 757, 767 and serves as a 777 first officer for a major 121 carrier. He is a general aviation enthusiast who has logged hundreds of hours flying cross country with his family in a Mooney 231 and an Aerostar 600A.

West Star Aviation Promotes Sonsoucie to Project Manager

West Star Aviation announced the promotion of John Sonsoucie to project manager at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility. 

Sonsoucie is a Navy veteran serving from 1986-1992 with VFA-126 and VFA 25 onboard the USS Independence and USS Midway, and has been with West Star since 2014 as an avionics supervisor.

“John is a strong asset to West Star and know he will continue to grow with the company while offering his vast knowledge and expertise to the team,” said Scott Koehler, senior manager of Project Management (ALN).

“I appreciate West Star providing me the opportunities for advancement within such a progressive and growing company,” said Sonsoucie, project manager (ALN).

AMETEK MRO Singapore Appoints Mariotto as Director of Operations

AMETEK Singapore has appointed Greg Mariotto as director of Operations, Singapore. Mariotto will be responsible for production, engineering, purchasing, and quality.  

“I am pleased and excited to take on this new role at AMETEK MRO,” says Mariotto.  “It is an opportunity to take our processes to the next level from an operational stand-point. Utilising quality management and business systems, such as AS9110, will help us achieve seamless connectivity between our business support functions and operations to benefit our customers.”

Mariotto foresees a significant focus on the development, implementation and use of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement protocols over the next 12 months.  

“My short-term priority will be on increasing our customer satisfaction by expanding our operational MRO footprint and technical expertise with new capabilities that are currently being established in Singapore, including a wheels & brakes facility for bizjets and commercial operators and A350 cargo and galley heaters,” comments Mariotto.  “Successful, on time delivery of each new capability is not only key for our business and long-term sustainability, but also provides an increased depth of local MRO support for our customers who can be assured they will receive a safe, reliable, cost-competitive service with shorter TATs.” 

“Greg’s appointment demonstrates our focus on building a highly skilled and experienced senior team,” says David Corish, Vice President & General Manager AMETEK MRO Singapore. “As the diverse Asia PAC market evolves there are significant opportunities to support operators and OEMs, so ensuring our MRO facilities operate at maximum efficiency is a priority.  Greg’s knowledge of process improvement and visual factory principles will help us to streamline our processes, reduce turn-around-times and increase our customer satisfaction.” 

Mariotto joins AMETEK MRO with more than twenty years’ experience within the aviation MRO sector, most recently with Collins Aerospace, and he is a qualified AS9100 and AS9110 trainer.