Aero-News learned this week Diamond Aircraft has appointed Heike Larson as Vice President Sales and Marketing. In her role with the planemaker, Larson will be responsible for managing Diamond’s distributor network, and will be in charge of setting the sales and marketing strategy for North America.

“Ms Larson’s extensive background in sales and marketing, both in and out of the aviation industry, is a perfect fit to help us grow our business for all of our product lines,” said Peter Maurer, President of Diamond Aircraft Industries.

Larson joins Diamond Aircraft from Cirrus Design Corporation, where she managed the sales team for the Western US. Prior to Cirrus, she honed her business skills at McKinsey & Co., the international management consulting firm, where she was an Associate Principal, focusing on sales and marketing projects for major retail, consumer goods and technology companies in the US, Germany and Asia.

While at McKinsey, Ms Larson discovered her love of aviation and quickly became an instrument-rated commercial pilot and aircraft owner. She now also is a Certified Flight Instructor, and has extensive experience flying and selling modern technology, glass cockpit aircraft.

Larson holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, as well as an undergraduate business degree from The Koblenz School of Corporate Management in Germany.

“Diamond Aircraft is in a unique position to help shape the future of Personal Aviation. With a full line of products, Diamond has great products to offer to experienced pilots and newcomers to the industry alike,” said Larson. “I look forward to working with the Diamond team to make the most of this opportunity.”

FMI: www.diamondaircraft.com