Ferguson To Remain As President Of Company

The Mooney Aerospace Group, Ltd., has named Robert B. Gowens Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mooney Airplane Company in Kerrville, TX. Gowens, the former CEO, President and Vice President/General Manager of three different manufacturing companies in the recreational marine industry, brings more than 36 years of senior leadership experience to his new role.

Though Gowens has assumed the role of CEO, Mooney representatives say Dennis E. Ferguson will remain the planemaker's president. 

"Bob Gowens brings a valuable mix of top level operating, strategic and financial leadership to Mooney, having served as both a chief executive and a management consultant," Chairman of the Board Steven E. Karol said. "He has the expertise and practical, hands-on experience to help us move to the next level of efficiency and profitability."

A graduate of Ohio's Kent State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting, Gowens began his career in professional consulting, serving primarily the manufacturing industry, as a principal at A.T. Kearney and a manager in Arthur Andersen's Consulting Division. Previously, he was the President and CEO of the Cigarette Racing Team, Inc. in Miami Beach, FL; the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Mercury Marine's Mercruiser Business Unit; and also served as Vice President and General Manager of the firm's Mercury Parts and Accessories Business Unit.

Gowens was named the President of Evinrude/Johnson Outboard Engines in Waukegan, IL in September 1998, where he was responsible for consolidating the operations of the engine group and accelerating the progress of existing initiatives, including the complete reengineering of the direct injection engine technology and the restructuring of the manufacturing processes, as part of a turnaround strategy.

Subsequent to his tenure at Evinrude/Johnson, Gowens led a variety of projects, providing strategic planning, turnaround management, reengineering, due diligence support and other consulting services to a variety of middle market clients.

"Bob understands how to preserve and enhance the value of a company like Mooney in a challenging business environment because he's done it before. We are fortunate to add his leadership and expertise to the Mooney team," Karol noted.

FMI: www.mooney.com