GE Makes Senior Leadership Changes to GE Aviation Team



GE named H. Lawrence Culp Jr. CEO of GE Aviation in addition to his role as chairman and CEO of GE. John Slattery, the previous president and CEO of GE Aviation, will now serve as executive vice president and chief commercial officer of the business. In addition, GE named Rahul Ghai, executive vice president and CFO of Otis Worldwide, CFO of GE Aviation and named Russell Stokes, a current senior vice president at GE and president and CEO of GE Aviation Services, president and CEO of commercial engines and services for GE Aviation Services.

Slattery, Ghai and Stokes and will report directly to Culp Jr.. Ghai will start as CFO of GE Aviation on Aug. 15 as Shane Wright, currently CFO and chief operating officer of GE Aviation, prepares to retire after 34 years of service to GE. Wright will stay onboard during the transition and retire later this year.

“Shane’s financial acumen, operational focus, talent development and mentorship and extensive business experience have been invaluable to GE over his 34 years with our company” Culp Jr. said. “Shane’s many contributions across GE and to GE Aviation have helped build this world-class business and team, and I’m deeply grateful to him for his service.”

These leadership changes follow GE’s announcement in November 2021 of its plan to separate GE into three independent sectors of aviation, healthcare and energy.

“GE Aviation is an exceptional business in growing commercial and military sectors that is shaping the future of flight,” Culp Jr., said. “There is tremendous opportunity in aviation over the coming years, and the board and I decided it is the right time for me to take on this expanded role and work even more closely with the team to support our customers, meet the unprecedented demand ramp and prepare for GE Aviation’s future as an independent public company.”

“Larry’s extensive operating track record is particularly valuable to lead GE Aviation through historic industry growth while also preparing to become an independent, investment grade public company,” Tom Horton, GE lead independent director for GE Aviation, said. “The board and I are confident Larry and the GE Aviation leadership team will continue to strengthen this premier franchise and drive lasting growth for its employees and shareholders.”

“It has been an honor leading GE Aviation over the last two years,” Slattery said. “I am excited to be part of a tremendous leadership team as we move closer to launching as a standalone business. Customers and our industry partners are at the center of everything we do at GE Aviation, and I look forward to continuing to dedicate my time to them and ensuring we provide the best possible support as the industry accelerates its recovery.”

Stokes has more than 25 years of GE experience, including nine years at GE Aviation during his career. Stokes rejoined GE Aviation in 2020 following executive leadership roles across multiple GE divisions.

“Russell has demonstrated exceptional leadership of our commercial services business, strengthening its operational performance while serving unprecedented customer demand and navigating a dynamic external environment,” Culp Jr. said. “I’m excited to work more closely with him as he expands to lead commercial equipment and services, the largest business segment within [GE] Aviation.”

“This is an exciting time to be part of GE Aviation,” Stokes said. “We are embracing the power of lean and innovative technologies to drive operational performance and manage our new engine production and aftermarket ramps. We have an impressive product portfolio and a talented global team committed to our customers’ success.”

Ghai most recently served as executive vice president and CFO of Otis Worldwide, where he oversaw accounting, FP&A, investor relations, internal audit, tax and treasury. Ghai also previously served in executive level finance roles at Aetna and United Technologies.

“Rahul’s proven track record as a public company CFO, including with major transaction and spin-off experience in relevant markets, will be a strong asset for our aviation team,” Culp Jr. said. “I look forward to his partnership as we work to continue to deliver exceptional financial, operating and technical performance. It’s a pleasure to welcome Rahul to the GE team.”

“I have long admired GE Aviation’s extraordinary team and innovative technology, and I am thrilled to join the company at this pivotal time,” Ghai said. “I look forward to working closely with Larry and the team as we prepare GE Aviation for this monumental next chapter.”


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