Larry Roberts Will Be Responsible For Sales, Marketing, Program Development

Larry D. Roberts has been named senior vice president, Commercial Business of Bell Helicopter, the company announced Wednesday. Roberts will be responsible for the sales, marketing and program development of Bell's line of commercial helicopters.

"Larry is a dynamic leader with unparalleled expertise in the commercial helicopter market," said Bell President and CEO John L. Garrison. "He's clearly been a force in shaping the helicopter market and we're proud to have him join the Bell team. I'm confident that, with his experience and commitment to the industry, he will enhance Bell's ability to exceed the expectations of our commercial customers throughout the world." 

Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Roberts will report to Garrison and oversee Bell's international Sales and Marketing organization and its Commercial Programs organization, which manages development of current, new and upgraded commercial helicopters. He joins Bell from American Eurocopter, where he served as vice president of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support. He simultaneously served as director of U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Development for EADS North America, the parent of American Eurocopter.

Prior to joining that company in 1997, Roberts had served as captain of criminal investigations for the Citrus County, FL. Sheriff's Department from August 1996 to October 1997 and as patrolman and watch commander with the Gainesville, FL. Police Department for the preceding 13 years. He was a founding member of the Gainesville Police helicopter unit, which provided air support for ground operations of both agencies.

Roberts holds U.S. FAA licenses and ratings as a single- and twin-engine commercial pilot and rotorcraft instructor. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Florida.

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com