Piper Aircraft Makes Executive Changes

July 20, 2010
Berger will serve as interim CEO during search for an executive to lead the company.

VERO BEACH, Fla., July 20, 2010 - Geoffrey Berger, Managing Director of Imprimis' Brunei operations will serve as interim CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc., effective immediately.

Berger will serve in that role while Piper Aircraft launches a global search for an executive to lead the company. Prior to Imprimis, Geoffrey Berger had significant experience in providing operational management to privately-held enterprises.

Berger replaces Kevin J. Gould who joined Piper in 2005 as Vice President, Operations and overhauled the company's manufacturing operations, improving both cost and quality performance. He was promoted to CEO in June 2009, and was instrumental in facilitating the transition of ownership from the prior private equity firm to Imprimis, and in building a world class executive team.

Commenting on the management change, the Chairman of Piper's Board of Directors and Managing Partner of Imprimis, Stephen W. Berger, said: "Kevin's leadership, first as VP Operations, then as CEO, served Piper well over the past 5 years. His tenure at Piper has been marked by a dedication to enhance the owner and pilot experience, his contributions to manufacturing and production excellence, and his overall leadership development- all of which will serve Piper for many years to come."

Berger added: "As CEO, Kevin launched a number of important strategic undertakings including forming Piper Asia with their newly established base of operations in Brunei, strengthening a solid product line and launching new products including development of the PiperJet, which will be the subject of important further announcements throughout this year. Imprimis continues to fully support Piper and we look forward to bringing these and other projects to fruition."

Gould commented: "I am proud of improving Piper's production operations, building a top notch leadership team, and getting the PiperJet program on a fast track. Piper's next phase of growth will come from intense development of international markets -- especially in Asia-Pacific. It is with a great deal of pride that I leave my friends and colleagues in the Piper family, dealers, customers and investors. I am very optimistic about Piper's future in the world's aviation industry."

Berger concluded: "Kevin Gould has been a strong and valued member of the Piper team and we know we will benefit from his counsel in the future".

About Piper Aircraft, Inc. Piper Aircraft Inc. is headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla. Piper's rich legacy is born of 72 years of unparalleled history, with almost 150,000 aircraft brought to market and more than 160 models certified. Approximately 90,000 of those aircraft are still flying and being serviced and supported on every continent by Piper's 65 service centers, 27 dealers and 2,500 field personnel. Piper is the only general aviation manufacturer to build and offer aircraft for every general aviation mission, from trainers and high-performance aircraft for personal and business use to turbine-powered business aircraft and the PiperJet. For more information about Piper Aircraft and to find an authorized service center near you, please visit www.piper.com