Johannesburg - Mike Kgobe has been appointed the new CEO of Denel Aviation with effect from 1 March 2010, the board announced on Monday.
Previously the Chief Operating Officer of Denel Aviation, Kgobe has accumulated over 20 years of experience in aeronautical engineering and maintenance having worked for Air Botswana Engineering and Sun Air Engineering before joining Denel.
His achievements to date include the total integration and accreditation of the Mechanical Components Workshops as a Eurocopter repair and overhaul centre at Denel Aviation (previously under Turbomeca Africa control) which ensured successful execution of the South African Air Force (SAAF) Oryx fleet mechanical systems upgrade.
His significant contribution ensured the formulation and execution of collaborative efforts with SAAF which resulted in the establishment of a centre of excellence for the C130 aircraft maintenance at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Kgobe is also primarily responsible for the conclusion of the co-operation agreement with the SAAF and the single source pricing agreement with Armscor. The conclusion of both agreements is imminent and will ensure a base load foundation for the Denel Aviation's business with SAAF, the board said.
Kgobe maintains that he is aptly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. "I am aware of the enormity of the task ahead and am humbled by the confidence shown in my abilities by the Denel Group," explains Kgobe.
"Having worked to formulate Denel Aviation's growth strategy with the current leadership team, I am confident that we have a firm foundation from which to realise our vision of delivering complete aviation solutions to clients through the worldwide partnerships that we continue to establish.
"Through our revised strategic drivers - which have been adapted to address emerging challenges - we are set to further improve economic viability and ensure our long-term sustainability."
Denel Aviation, a division of the Denel Group operates in the aerospace industry sector and is a leader in defence aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as well as associated services. Despite challenges over the last year as a result of the global economic recession, the company still managed to secure privileged access to assigned South African Air Force platforms, expand its accreditation with Eurocopter, receive accreditation as the only Lockheed Martin accredited service centre in Africa and was declared a Best Employer for 2009/10 by the Corporate Research Foundation.
- I-Net Bridge