StandardAero has announced the appointment of Kim Ernzen as Chief Operating Officer. Reporting directly to Russell Ford, StandardAero's Chairman and CEO, Ernzen will oversee global operational performance, efficiency, engineering and supply chain management. She will also manage StandardAero's Engine Services and Component Repair Services divisions, ensuring close oversight of the company's overall business performance. Ernzen succeeds Kerry O'Sullivan, who is retiring and will be based at the company's Scottsdale, Arizona headquarters.
Before joining StandardAero, Ernzen was President of Naval Power at Raytheon Technologies, where she managed a US$6 billion division supporting the U.S. Military and global allies. She brings over 25 years of experience in the aerospace and defence industry, having held significant roles at Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Raytheon/RTX Corporation.
An aerospace engineer by training, Ernzen began her career in general aviation, focusing on manufacturing operations, aftermarket and technical support. She later advanced to executive roles in operations and general management, serving military, defence and space markets.
Ernzen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and an MBA from Wichita State University. She has also completed Raytheon's Executive Leadership, Engineering Leadership Development and Principles of Leadership programmes and is a recipient of the Raytheon CEO award.