Imprimis Puts Geoffrey Berger In 'Interim' Top Spot
After the successful sale of Piper to Imprimis, industry
observers were wondering when, and if, the company would take a
more active role in the management of the company... we now know
the answer. Geoffrey Berger, Managing Director of Imprimis' Brunei
operations will serve as interim CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc.,
effective immediately.
Berger will serve in that role while Piper Aircraft launches a
global search for an executive to lead the company. Prior to
Imprimis, Geoffrey Berger had significant experience in providing
operational management to privately-held enterprises.
Berger replaces Kevin J. Gould who joined Piper in 2005 as Vice
President, Operations and overhauled the company's manufacturing
operations, improving both cost and quality performance. He
was promoted to CEO in June 2009, and was instrumental in
facilitating the transition of ownership from the prior private
equity firm to Imprimis, and in building a world class executive
team.
Commenting on the management change, the Chairman of Piper's
Board of Directors and Managing Partner of Imprimis, Stephen W.
Berger said, "Kevin's leadership, first as VP Operations, then as
CEO, served Piper well over the past 5 years. His tenure at Piper
has been marked by a dedication to enhance the owner and pilot
experience, his contributions to manufacturing and production
excellence, and his overall leadership development- all of which
will serve Piper for many years to come."
Berger added that, "As CEO, Kevin launched a number of important
strategic undertakings including forming Piper Asia with their
newly established base of operations in Brunei , strengthening a
solid product line and launching new products including development
of the PiperJet, which will be the subject of important further
announcements throughout this year. Imprimis continues to
fully support Piper and we look forward to bringing these and other
projects to fruition."
Gould noted that, "I am proud of improving Piper's production
operations, building a top notch leadership team, and getting the
PiperJet program on a fast track. Piper's next phase of growth will
come from intense development of international markets --
especially in Asia-Pacific. It is with a great deal of pride that I
leave my friends and colleagues in the Piper family, dealers,
customers and investors. I am very optimistic about Piper's future
in the world's aviation industry."
Berger concluded by saying that, "Kevin Gould has been a strong
and valued member of the Piper team and we know we will benefit
from his counsel in the future".