Garmin International has announced the promotion of Phil Straub to director of engineering, aviation. This newly created position will help shape and lead all of Garmin's aviation programs. Straub will report directly to Cliff Pemble, Garmin's vice president of engineering.

"Garmin has experienced strong growth in the aviation segment, and it is a truly exciting time to serve this market," said Cliff Pemble, vice president of engineering. "We are very pleased that Phil has accepted this new position and are confident that his aviation knowledge and leadership skills will allow us to continue achieving high levels of success in the aviation market."

Representatives with Garmin tell ANN that Straub (below) will oversee all aviation engineering activities including design, software, program management, flight operations, and systems and aircraft certification. Straub joined Garmin in 1993, and has devoted much of his time to the development of Garmin's core aviation products -- including the GNS 430, GNS 530, and G1000.

Straub earned a BSEE degree, and is an active pilot and flight instructor. He is the proud owner of a vintage Cessna 150, which has been part of the Straub family since his birth.

This announcement follows a similar restructuring that occurred earlier this year in the marketing and sales department.

Due to Garmin's strong growth in the aviation segment, Carl Wolf was named senior director of aviation marketing and sales, and Tim Casey was named director of aviation aftermarket sales.

Wolf oversees all aviation marketing and sales activity including OEM and aftermarket efforts. Before joining Garmin four years ago, Wolf (below) held various leadership positions at Bendix/King.

Casey is responsible for expanding Garmin's aviation sales and implementing aggressive marketing and sales strategies for Garmin's avionics distributors, and has been with Garmin over 15 years.

FMI: www.garmin.com