Kim Ernzen Joins StandardAero as Chief Operating Officer

StandardAero has appointed Kim Ernzen to serve as chief operating officer.  In this role, she reports directly to Russell Ford, StandardAero chairman and CEO and is responsible for global operational performance, efficiency and excellence, as well as engineering and supply chain management for StandardAero. In addition, StandardAero’s Engine Services and Component Repair Services division presidents will report directly to Ernzen, who will maintain close oversight of the company’s overall business performance.  She replaces Kerry O’Sullivan, who is retiring from StandardAero, and will be located at the company’s Scottsdale, AZ headquarters office.  

Prior to joining StandardAero, Ernzen served as president of Naval Power for Raytheon Technologies overseeing a $6 billion division with programs supporting the U.S. Military and its global allies along with a full range of Raytheon’s offerings, while managing a complex portfolio across all life cycle phases. She is a seasoned aerospace and defense industry executive with more than 25 years of experience working at Cessna, Hawker Beechcraft and Raytheon/RTX Corporation.  

An aerospace engineer by training, she spent the early part of her career in general aviation with a core focus in manufacturing operations, as well as aftermarket and technical support. Later in her career, Ernzen served in increasingly responsible executive roles in both operations and general management serving military, defense and space markets.  

Ernzen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering and an MBA degree – all from Wichita State University. In addition, she completed Raytheon’s Executive Leadership, Engineering Leadership Development and Principles of Leadership programs and is a recipient of the Raytheon CEO award.

“Kim’s demonstrated business success, broad technical, program management and executive leadership experience — along with her knowledge and depth in the aerospace industry — gives her the experience to have significant impact in her role at StandardAero,” says Russell Ford, chairman and CEO.  “We are pleased and fortunate to bring her onto our team and I look forward to her contributions driving continued operational and business improvements as well as growth for StandardAero.”