SINGAPORE, February 14, 2011) — AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces it has selected a former Boeing executive, Robert Laird, to be the new Vice President of Business Development for the Asia Pacific region. Laird joins the company with 30 years of aviation experience and has worked closely with airlines throughout the region, including in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Laird will ultimately be responsible for developing AAR’s growth strategies and increasing visibility of the company’s diverse products and services. He also will maintain an office at AAR’s Chicago-area headquarters, located in Wood Dale, Illinois, U.S.A., and act as the single point of contact for the Asia Pacific region to improve customer access.
Laird said he will focus on raising AAR’s profile as a full service aviation support company, and wants AAR’s Asia Pacific customers to regard him as a direct line to leadership.
“It is important that our Asia Pacific customers understand the breadth of AAR’s capabilities and how they can leverage the company’s wealth of experience and outstanding track record to help them operate more efficiently and cost effectively,” Laird said. “My goal is to position our Asia Pacific operations as a gateway of access to our full range of aircraft support services around the world. AAR is doing great things, and I look forward to building on its success and broadening its customer base.”
Laird is experienced in all aspects of airline management, including finance, operations, marketing and sales, purchasing, maintenance and engineering. As Vice President, Asia Sales, for Boeing, he managed a diverse team and developed new markets to expand the company’s presence. He also worked closely with the airlines and government entities to improve infrastructure, talent management and operational efficiencies.
“Rob understands the impact of regional and global economic influences, and recognizes the importance of developing and maintaining strong customer relationships,” said Timothy J. Romenesko, AAR President and Chief Operating Officer. “His wealth of experience working with commercial airlines in the region will be a major benefit to AAR and our global customer base as we expand into the Asian market and access new opportunities.”
About AAR
AAR is a leading provider of value added products and services to the worldwide aerospace and government/defense industries. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and government/defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems; and Government and Defense Services. More information can be found at http://www.aarcorp.com/.
