VERO BEACH, Florida — Simon Caldecott will retire April 2, 2021, after nearly 10 years as Piper Aircraft‘s president and CEO and 47 years in the aviation industry.
Following Caldecott’s appointment as president and CEO in 2011, he set a new course for Piper Aircraft with a vision to stabilize, improve, and grow the business with a specific intent to expand the M-Class product line and revitalize the trainer market, according to company officials. During his tenure, the company designed and introduced the newest M-class flagship product, the M600. Simon’s leadership and guidance were instrumental in paving the way for the launch of Garmin’s Emergency Autoland technology, known as HALO on the new M600 SLS.
“It has been an honor and privilege leading Piper Aircraft through a transformative journey, from a legacy aircraft manufacturer to the first general aviation manufacturer to certify an autoland equipped general aviation aircraft,” Caldecott said. “We strengthened the leadership team with new talent, made major facility improvements to make a safer workplace, and strengthened relations with the community, as well as with major suppliers. I am enormously proud of the dedicated team at Piper and our global independent dealership network. With everything in place, the company’s future prospects are extremely encouraging and I look forward to a smooth transition.”
Piper Aircraft has been working with the company’s board of directors for several months on a succession plan and will announce Caldecott’s replacement soon, company officials said.
He is an on hands leader and always kept the team informed on their achievements and their goals going forward.
His leadership and smile will be missed.
Good luck and enjoy your retirement.
Sincerely, Peggy Williams