Barry Kohler, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, elected AIAC Chair

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Barry Kohler, President of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, has been elected Chair of the Board of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada for 2013-2014. Mr. Kohler succeeds Hélène V. Gagnon, Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Bombardier Aerospace, who occupied the role over the course of the past year.

“This is a real honor for me. We have a great aerospace industry in Canada and I’m very grateful that my colleagues have asked me to take this challenge,” said Mr. Kohler.

“It’s also a very pivotal time for our industry. In the last few years my predecessors have done a superb job in defining and executing the strategy to elevate the profile of the industry and we now have to capitalize on the momentum we have both internally and with the government.” concluded Mr. Kohler.

Jim Quick, President and CEO of AIAC, officially welcomed Mr. Kohler to his new role at AIAC’s Annual General Meeting this morning. “On behalf of AIAC’s members and staff, I am very pleased to offer our congratulations to Mr. Kohler on his election as Chair,” Mr. Quick said. “As a long-time Board member and the Chair of AIAC’s Public Procurement and Defence Committee, Mr. Kohler’s strong leadership and extensive experience will serve AIAC and the industry well as we continue to work towards the implementation of the Emerson and Jenkins Reports.”

The Board also acknowledged the service and contributions of AIAC’s outgoing chair, Ms. Gagnon. “Over the course of what has been a critical year, Ms. Gagnon’s commitment and leadership has helped AIAC and its members to achieve significant results for the Canadian industry,” Quick said. “We thank her very much for her dedication to our association and to the industry, and are very pleased that she will continue to play an important role within AIAC as a member of the Board and the Executive Committee.”

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AIAC is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector generates more than $27 billion, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 170,000 Canadians. AIAC represents the interests of over 700 aerospace companies across Canada.

For information:
Kristen VanderHoek, Director of Communications
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
613 232-4297 x225, kvanderhoek@aiac.ca