Universal Avionics (UA), part of the Israel-based international defence electronics company Elbit Systems, has appointed Dror Yahav as chief executive officer effective from 10 April, following the retirement of his predecessor Paul DeHerrera after 25 years' service with the company.

DeHerrera comments: “It has been an honour to serve and lead UA over the years and to witness it grow and prosper. Merging into Elbit Systems was key to UA's future growth, and I was proud to lead that strategic move and to work to shore it up since the closing last year. UA is an outstanding company with outstanding employees, and I believe that under Yahav's leadership, UA will further expand its leading position in the commercial aviation market. After 25 years with UA, it is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life and announce my retirement. Over the past two decades, I've learned the importance of strong leadership and teamwork. I can rest easy with the knowledge that UA will be in great hands with my successor to meet the challenges ahead.”

Yahav joined Elbit Systems in 2001 and has been serving as vice president of commercial aviation in the aerospace division for the past eight years. He led the introduction of EFVS and HUD technologies to commercial aviation including the first EFVS for commercial helicopters and the introduction of wearable HUD technology for the air transport market. He has 22 years of experience flying fighters, trainers and commercial airplanes, and holds a BA in computer science and an executive MBA degree from Tel Aviv university.