Robin Hayes to lead Airbus in North America

C. Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas Inc., after serving as the region’s top executive since 2018.  Robin Hayes, former CEO of JetBlue Airways, succeeds him.

Hayes will lead Airbus Americas’ commercial aircraft business, coordinating helicopters, space, and defense businesses in North America. The region has more than 10,000 Airbus employees across 50 sites. Additionally, Airbus spends $15 billion annually with more than 2,000 U.S. suppliers in more than 40 states.

Hayes brings 35 years of global aerospace leadership to Airbus, having served in senior executive roles at British Airways, and as CEO of JetBlue for nine years. From 2020 to 2022, he chaired the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors, where he championed the association’s commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Airbus’ commitment to safety and decarbonization is important to me personally, and I’m motivated by and committed to contributing to the Airbus purpose to pioneer sustainable aerospace,” Hayes says. https://www.airbus.com

Kaman acquired by Arcline

Arcline Investment Management LP completed its acquisition of Kaman Corp. in an all-cash transaction worth approximately $1.8 billion.

The transaction taking the company private, announced in January, was approved by Kaman shareholders in April 2024.

Founded in 1945 by aviation pioneer Charles H. Kaman and headquartered in Bloomfield, Connecticut, Kaman conducts business in aerospace & defense, industrial, and medical markets. https://arcline.com; https://kaman.com

Appointments

Workholding equipment company Autoblok Group appointed Larry Robbins president and CEO of SMW Autoblok US.

Starting at the company in May 2007, Robbins was quickly promoted to eastern regional sales manager. He’s been president of Autoblok’s U.S. commercial division since 2019, responsible for strategic sales, marketing initiatives, and overseeing the company’s North America sales team and various international projects. Robbins has more than 35 years of experience in machine tool manufacturing. https://www.smwautoblok.com/us/en

GF Machining Solutions promoted Onik Bhattacharyya to managing director and head of North and Central Americas market region. He’ll oversee the company’s product portfolio including milling, electrical discharge machining (EDM), laser texturing, automation, and tooling.

Bhattacharyya was a founder of Microlution Inc., a company acquired by GF Machining Solutions in 2016. https://www.gfms.com

Tooling Tech Group (TTG), a provider of engineered tools and automated assembly equipment, appointed Patrick Green president of its Die Cast division, the G.H. Tool & Mold brand with facilities in Missouri and Georgia. Green has more than 17 years’ experience at G.H. Tool & Mold, beginning as a CNC utility/tool maker, and since 2018, as sales manager and sales engineer. https://toolingtechgroup.com