SAVANNAH, Ga., July 9, 2012 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has appointed aviation industry veteran Joseph Rivera as director of International Operations. He reports to Barry Russell, vice president, Customer Support.
In this new position, which is based in Savannah, Rivera is responsible for oversight of Gulfstream’s three international service centers in Beijing; Luton, England; and Sorocaba, Brazil. Luton and Sorocaba are currently in operation, while Gulfstream Beijing is expected to begin operations soon.
“Joseph’s breadth of experience and leadership skills will greatly benefit our customer service organization,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream Product Support. “He is well-versed in the continuous improvement and lean processes that are crucial to our business. He has a proven track record of implementing such initiatives with successful results.”
Rivera worked for Gulfstream from 1997 to 2006 before joining Bombardier, where he was most recently the general manager for Bombardier’s Tucson, Ariz., service center. Previously he was general manager for the Bombardier service center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from 2006 to 2009.
From 2003 to 2006, Rivera was the senior operations manager for the Gulfstream Long Beach service center in California. From 1997 to 2003, he ran the completions center at Gulfstream Long Beach.
Rivera’s 32-year aviation career also includes posts as director of maintenance, shop foreman and aircraft and powerplant technician. From 1984 to 1987, he was a jet engine technician in the U.S. Navy.
Rivera earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in professional aeronautics and management, respectively, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is an authorized aircraft inspector.
