AURORA, OREGON – June 18, 2021 – Van’s Aircraft today announced changes to its management and organizational structure designed to enable the company and its employees to advance and meet opportunities created by significant growth in customer demand.
Over the past 24 months, orders for Van’s RV aircraft kits have increased nearly 250% as new builders take advantage of the latest technology and designs. To fulfill this substantial, ongoing growth in orders – while simultaneously designing the next model RV aircraft – company leadership determined it was the right time to adjust the focus and priorities of the management team.
- Rian Johnson has assumed the role of President and Chief Technology Officer. Rian has worked at Van’s Aircraft for more than 20 years, most recently in his previous role of Vice President and Chief Engineer. He will lead the company as a whole from the engineering and design perspective that has made Van’s a successful company for nearly 50 years.
- Greg Hughes has assumed the role of Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. He maintains responsibility for marketing and community relations while his role expands to a broader operational focus. Greg joined Van’s Aircraft in 2018.
- Mitch Lock has shifted from his prior role as president of the company to the newly-created role of Chief Financial Officer, bringing greater focus to the critical work of managing the company’s financial operations and investments into the future.
“We’ve always been an innovative company that’s been led from a solid, technical foundation and we will continue that culture into our future,” said Van’s Aircraft President and CTO Rian Johnson. “The singular purpose that has made Van’s Aircraft the defacto industry leader for nearly 50 years – designing great aircraft that people love to build and fly – remains our primary purpose and we will continue to bring new technology and capabilities to our designs and customers.”
Van’s Aircraft’s recent growth has, of course, come at a particularly challenging time. “It’s a bit cliché to say, but also quite accurate,” said Van’s Aircraft Vice President and COO Greg Hughes. “The past 18 months have been a wild ride for everyone, including Van’s Aircraft. We’ve managed through natural disasters and supply chain challenges, plus expanded our manufacturing capacity and added significant new technology, all while building our team and growing rapidly as a company. We continue to be completely committed to our incredible customers and employees, with the sole purpose of delivering the best product possible. Nothing makes us happier than seeing each and every person who builds one of our aircraft kits with that famous RV Grin on their face.”
The Van’s Aircraft team will be represented at AirVenture in July, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. You can find them at Booth 604 in the North Aircraft Display Area.
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For information, contact:
Kelsey Hickman
Marketing Lead, Van’s Aircraft
media@vansaircraft.com
(503) 678-6545 x353
