US MRO specialist West Star Aviation has promoted Brian Bauwens to general manager at its St Louis Regional airport facility in East Alton, Illinois and has relocated general manager Scott Sweeney to its Grand Junction Regional airport facility in Colorado. Both managers will provide leadership for all aspects of the sites, including operations, planning and project management, quality control and building maintenance.

Sweeney, previously general manager at the St Louis facility, is replacing Dave Krogman, who recently announced his retirement from Grand Junction. He has over 35 years of aviation experience, previously with the US Navy and Hawker Beechcraft.

“West Star is embarking on many exciting new initiatives, including a hangar expansion in Grand Junction,” says CEO Jim Rankin. “Scott has done a great job in leading the East Alton facility for the past four years, and I am confident he will bring the same style of collaboration and strong business acumen to the Grand Junction site.”

“This is certainly a bittersweet moment for me as I've been so fortunate to work alongside an incredible and talented group of people; the entire team here at East Alton has been integral to the success of this facility,” says Sweeney. “As I look ahead with excitement to leading Grand Junction, I am equally as eager to help set the vision and strategic direction for sustainable, long term growth as we expand our footprint and services to customers across the region.”

Brian Bauwens is being promoted from director of Bombardier business development to general manager at St Louis, replacing Sweeney. Bauwens has over 30 years of aviation experience in a variety of positions and holds an A&P licence from Baker's School of Aeronautics.

“I'm impressed with Brian's strong leadership skills, technical knowledge and strong customer-oriented support. He shows great balance between people skills and achieving outstanding results for both the West Star team and our valued customers,” adds Rankin.

“I appreciate the opportunity to grow and continue my aviation career here at West Star,” says Bauwens. “I'm excited to lead the team I've grown so close with and to exceed the expectations of our customers.”