One of the key discussions during the leadership offsite was the importance of Thinking Like our Customers who depend on our aircraft every day.
As aftermarket services continue to drive our revenue, DHC’s success depends on our ability to deliver parts, certification approvals, aircraft modifications, and new production aircraft. This requires seamless coordination across Engineering, Programs, Manufacturing, and Operations.
To strengthen that alignment, we are making changes to the team.
- Gerry Kelly will assume responsibility for Programs and the Calgary MRO in his new role as Chief Operating Officer. In addition to his Manufacturing and Industrialization responsibilities, Gerry will oversee De Havilland’s subsidiaries:
- Mid-Canada Mod Centre (MC2)
- Fleet Canada
- DHPA
As part of this realignment, Randy Poirier will take on the role of Vice President, Manufacturing reporting to Gerry. Additional changes to the team will include Jean-Francois (JF) Desroches, Vice President of Programs, and Al Young, Vice President, Technical Service and MRO also reporting into Gerry.
To further strengthen our manufacturing leadership team and support the successful execution of the DHC-515 program, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Scott Higginson to General Manager, Final Assembly Line – DHC-515, reporting directly to Randy.
Scott brings more than 17 years of aerospace experience from across North America and Mexico, where he has built a strong reputation for overcoming production challenges, improving manufacturing planning, and driving operational excellence. His proven leadership and manufacturing expertise make him well suited to lead this critical area of our business as we advance the DHC-515 program.
The new team will bring the right expertise and leadership to ensure we deliver on our commitments to customers and support DHC’s continued growth.
- Janet Wardle will continue to lead Engineering and Supply Chain and will take on oversight of De Havilland’s subsidiary Avionics Design Services (ADS), as Chief Engineering and Supply Chain Officer. She will also assume responsibility for:
- The Dash 8 Package Freighter and the Large Cargo Door Program
- The Methods team supporting the Twin Otter and Victoria production programs
- Demand and Production Planning
This is an exciting step forward for De Havilland. Bringing these teams together under Janet’s leadership will strengthen coordination across engineering, supply chain, and production planning, helping us Find a Way to deliver on our commitments to operators around the world. It will also ensure We are Accountable for the Outcome by staying closely connected to our customers’ needs, enabling us to provide the products and services that help keep aircraft flying and support DHC’s continued growth as a leading aftermarket business.
Teams will receive additional updates from their leaders as these changes continue to take shape.
Thank you for the commitment, hard work, and dedication you bring every day. Supporting our customers takes all of us, and these changes are intended to help our teams work together more effectively as we continue to grow and deliver on the opportunities ahead.
Team: News