StandardAero has appointed Kim Ernzen to serve as chief operating officer, where she will report directly to chairman and CEO Russell Ford on global operational performance, efficiency and excellence, as well as engineering and supply chain management. In addition, StandardAero's engine services and component repair services division presidents will report directly to Ernzen, who will maintain close oversight of the company's overall business performance. She replaces Kerry O'Sullivan, who is retiring, and will be located at the company's Scottsdale, Arizona headquarters office.

Prior to joining StandardAero, Ernzen served as president of naval power for Raytheon Technologies, overseeing a $6 billion division with programmes supporting the US military and its global allies, along with a full range of Raytheon's offerings, while managing a complex portfolio across all life cycle phases. She is a seasoned aerospace and defence industry executive with more than 25 years of experience working at Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Raytheon/RTX Corporation.

An aerospace engineer by training, she spent the early part of her career in general aviation with a core focus in manufacturing operations, as well as aftermarket and technical support. Later in her career, Ernzen served in increasingly responsible executive roles in both operations and general management serving military, defence and space markets.

Ernzen holds a BSc in aerospace engineering, an MSc in aeronautical engineering and an MBA, all from Wichita State University. In addition, she has completed Raytheon's Executive Leadership, Engineering Leadership Development and Principles of Leadership programmes and is a recipient of the Raytheon CEO award.

"Kim's demonstrated business success, broad technical, programme management and executive leadership experience, along with her knowledge and depth in the aerospace industry, gives her the experience to have significant impact in her role at StandardAero," says Ford. "We are pleased and fortunate to bring her onto our team, and I look forward to her contributions driving continued operational and business improvements as well as growth for StandardAero."