James K. Bass Will Focus on Strong Product and Growth Strategy

As first reported by ANN, James K. Bass, an experienced senior executive with more than 25 years of leadership roles in engineering and manufacturing, is the new President and CEO of The New Piper Aircraft, Inc.

Bass, 48, who was appointed September 12 by the New Piper Aircraft Board of Directors, replaces Chuck Suma, who in turn joins Piper's Board of Directors as Vice Chairman. Bass comes to Piper after leading the financial turnaround of Suntron Corporation, a Phoenix, Ariz., based $500 million public corporation where he served as President & CEO,

Bass was selected after an extensive search to find just the right fit to continue building and expanding the strong recovery orchestrated by the Piper team. At the same time, Suma, a valued and loyal 30-year employee of Piper is in an advisory role to support the transition while continuing to interface with dealers, customers and regulatory agencies in his new role as Vice Chairman of the Board.

Bass said his top priorities are commitment to the Piper team, customer and shareholder support and satisfaction, product excellence and focused growth in revenue and market share.

"Our agenda is to grow, develop and expand Piper in such a way that is best for our customers, our employees and our business," Bass said.

"Piper has a rich heritage and reputation for developing and building products and features our customers want and need, and we will continue in that tradition by improving and strengthening our customer relationships, working closely with our dealers and continuing to be the premier provider of aircraft in general aviation. The Piper Team is known for its dedication and commitment and is poised and eager to meet the challenges ahead of us."

New Piper's Mark Miller has promised ANN an interview within a week or so and has been aiding in the communications chores involved in the transition. Miller related that Bass has spoken strongly about his management plan for Piper... "I am a believer in consensus management. I believe that the more perspective you have on a situation, the better the result. That's why it's important to have a team of bright, dedicated people that you listen to carefully. Then, you make it easy for them to operate to the full extent of their capabilities."

Bass added that, "My vision for Piper's future is one that will underscore its rich history and status as an iconic brand. My top priorities are commitment to the Piper team, customer support and satisfaction, product excellence and focused growth in revenue and market share. Overall, our Company's goals are to grow, develop and expand Piper in such a way that is best for our customers, our employees, our shareholders and our business... New Piper represents an outstanding opportunity. The Company has great employees, outstanding products and a legacy second to none."

ANN's forthcoming interview will be available as both a written story as well as a future Aero-Cast -- as soon as CEO Bass has a chance to catch his breath (ANN Note: ya have to pity the poor guy... we've been knocking on his door pretty heavily within hours of his appointment -- grin). ANN Looks forward to bringing the story to you shortly.

FMI: www.newpiper.com