Effective December 1st -- Pursuing 'Other Career Opportunities'

ANN has learned that a highly respected member of the Piper leadership team is heading out to pursue new challenges.

An internal Piper memo, sent out Monday, reported that "Piper's President, John Becker, announced today that he will be leaving the Company on December 1st to pursue other career opportunities. John first joined Piper over 20 years ago and was responsible for overseeing many projects critical to the success of the Company, including the Meridian and PiperJet programs. We would like to express our deep appreciation to John for his many years of faithful service to the people of Piper, and wish him all the best in the future."

Becker was promoted to President in June 2009, having joined Piper in 1989, having held "various positions of increasing responsibility."

Over the two decades of his involvment at Piper Becker is credited with having successfully implemented numerous projects including development of the Meridian, the Seneca V, two models of the Saratoga, and the Archer and Warrior II. In his capacity as Vice President of Engineering, and most recently as President, Becker lead the team responsible for the ongoing design and development of the PiperJet. Prior to joining Piper, Becker worked with Bombardier Learjet as a powerplant engineer/consultant on the Learjet Model 31A, Model 45 and Model 60. 

Becker has a B.S. in Aviation Technology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, an M.B.A. from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Master Certification in Program Management from George Washington University. He is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and an airframe and power plant mechanic. Additionally, Becker has served as a Designated Engineering Representative for the FAA.

ANN Update: Late Tuesday, Becker told ANN that, "Piper has been more than a Company to me … it’s been a family... The time, however, has come for me to move on and pursue other goals that are fundamental to my life. In so doing, I know I leave Piper in very capable hands – especially with an engineering team that I have recruited and watched grow into one of the best and most formidable groups within General Aviation today.”

FMI: www.piper.com