Greg Watson has joined King Aerospace as chief operating officer. The company is experiencing dynamic but controlled growth with the expansion of its modification services. This follows the recent addition of two hangars at the Northwest Arkansas Regional airport near Rogers in Arkansas, in addition to robust MRO business at the company's facility at the Ardmore Industrial Airpark in Oklahoma.

As COO, Watson will oversee global operation of King Aerospace, serving the US military and government, as well as the VVIP and corporate aircraft services of King Aerospace Commercial Corporation (KACC) that has facilities in Ardmore, Oklahoma and Rogers, Arkansas.

“Greg clicked with our team immediately,” says president Jarid King. “We welcome how he sees the big picture, but understands all the elements that need to come together to achieve success. He's a get-it-done professional who models servant leadership and industry best practices.”

As a member of the leadership team, Watson will work to improve operational efficiencies, promulgate a lean approach and instil best practices through King Kulture. This 30 year strong, bottom-up leadership approach is guided by cornerstone principles designed to foster excellence, deliver value in everything and give more than take. It is exemplified by a no-excuses, problem-solving attitude.

“I'm excited about Greg's arrival because of his focus on preserving King Kulture for generations to come as we strive to touch more lives and make a positive difference,” says founder and chairman Jerry King.

Watson's more than two decade aviation career has enabled him to accumulate a broad spectrum of expertise as he handled positions of increasing responsibility. Previously he served as general manager for LIMCO Airepair in Tulsa, Oklahoma; as general manager for Collins Aerospace in Miami, Florida and Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico; site director for Goodrich Landing Gear in Burlington, Ontario; and director of operations for Safran in Queretaro, Mexico.

Watson is working to obtain an MBA from Athabasca University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and earned an executive business administration certificate from York University in Toronto, Ontario as well as a management degree from Durham College, Oshawa, Ontario. Extensive training and development include Lean and Six Sigma, workplace hazardous materials information system, finance, negotiating, human factors and team building.

“I've found a family environment and principle-driven culture that make coming to work a calling, not just a career,” says Watson.