Rick Estes has taken over as president and CEO of aircraft lighting manufacturer PWI, succeeding Robi Lorik after nearly 50 years at the helm of the company his father Miklos Lorik founded in 1963.

Estes joined PWI as chief technology officer in 2016 and brings engineering expertise alongside broad manufacturing management experience. His priorities include expanding PWI's engineering staff and capabilities, with hires selected for experience, education and a collaborative approach to team development.

Speaking about his plans for the company, Estes says: "New product development will play a key role in long-term company success. Broad, in-house engineering capabilities make new projects outside of aircraft lighting more accessible."

Lorik, who had served as president and CEO since 2019, worked across nearly every function at the company during his tenure, originally known as Precision Winding Incorporated, with his primary focus on sales and building a dealer network spanning national and international customers. Under his leadership PWI added international product approvals from Europe, Mexico and Brazil to its LED product line, alongside certifications including ITAR, CMMC, AS 9100 and ISO 9001. He remains on the board of directors.

Former marketing manager Eric Dahlinger has been promoted to vice president of corporate communications as part of the leadership changes.

PWI has produced custom windings, coils and magnetometers since 1963 and has supplied fluorescent aircraft cabin lighting to business jet and turboprop manufacturers including Dassault Falcon, Sabreliner, Gulfstream, Cessna Citation, Challenger, Learjet and King Air for more than 50 years.