Ennis native, John Slattery has been unveiled as the new CEO of GE Aviation.
On Monday it was announced that David Joyce the current CEO, President and Vice Chair would retire from the industrial conglomerate after forty years of service. Under his leadership, GE doubled its revenue from $16.5 billion to $33 billion, growing total backlog from $26 billion to more than $270 billion, and industrializing advanced technologies across both commercial and military applications.
Clare’s John Slattery who is currently Embraer’s President and CEO of commercial aviation has been named as President and CEO-elect of GE Aviation. He will assume the role from July 13th and will run the world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and services, as well as avionics, digital solutions, and electrical power systems for aircraft.
Mr. Slattery will fully assume the role of president and CEO of GE Aviation on September 1st, 2020, at which point Joyce will transition to non-executive chair of GE Aviation through December 31st, 2020, he will continue to serve as a strategic advisor into 2021.
GE Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp said of the new appointment, “We worked hard to find a worthy successor to David. In John, we have found a proven aerospace leader whose international commercial experience, strategic acumen, and industry expertise can make our leading Aviation franchise even stronger. John’s relentless focus on the customer experience over decades in the aviation industry has earned him deep relationships with many of GE’s customers, suppliers, and partners. He is well-suited to serve their needs as Aviation executes through the current environment and eventual recovery.”
Slattery led Embraer’s largest business, Commercial Aviation, typically accounting for over half of the Group’s revenue and free cash flow as well as about 10,000 of its 18,000 employees. During his tenure at Embraer Commercial Aviation, the E-Jet installed base doubled, the number of operators grew by 45 percent, the unit backlog grew by 36 percent, and the number of countries operating the E-Jet increased by 39 percent.
As chief commercial officer and subsequently CEO of Commercial Aviation, the past pupil of St Flannan’s College was responsible for the business plan for the E2 through triple-certification of the E190-E2 in 2018. He previously served as Embraer’s senior vice president of customer finance, risk, and asset management.
Prior to joining Embraer in 2011, Mr. Slattery spent 15 years in the aircraft financing and leasing space, where he developed deep financial understanding of airline operations and a large network of aerospace professionals that he continued to engage at Embraer.
His love for aviation blossomed following weekend trips to Shannon Airport with his older brother Domhnall who is also the CEO of Avolon.
Speaking on Monday, John stated, “I have long considered GE Aviation to be the leading aviation franchise in the world, and I am humbled to take the helm from David and lead this talented team forward. This is a time of unprecedented change in the aerospace industry yet also an opportunity to reimagine the future of flight and how we can best serve our customers.”
GE Lead Independent Director Tom Horton added, “I have had a front row seat to the impact of David’s leadership and vision that will continue to shape the future of this business. I have also known John for many years and have confidence that with his proven commercial acumen, strong values, and global customer network, he is the right leader to take GE Aviation forward.”
