VERO BEACH — Randy Groom, who brings 36 years experience as an aviation executive, Thursday was named Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Support of Piper Aircraft.Groom, who served as president of Hawker Beechcraft Corp. (formerly Raytheon Aircraft Company), will report to Piper President & CEO Kevin J. Gould. “Randy`s extensive experience and superb track record in general aviation are the credentials that we looked for in filling this strategic position,” said Gould. “Randy knows the business from both sides of the aisle. As a seasoned corporate executive and a professional with extensive dealership experience. Perhaps most important, we want our customers to know Randy’s addition to the team is further evidence of our commitment to providing them industry-leading customer support.”Groom, 56, will be in charge of expanding Piper`s market share across all model lines and further improving Piper’s customer experience. He based his decision to join the Piper team in part because of the financial support the company has received from its Asian-based owners, Imprimis. “One of the main reasons I was attracted to Piper is because I love their products and really believe they are the right aircraft for these times,” said Groom. “No other general aviation manufacturer has such a comprehensive lineup of single-engine aircraft in every class, ranging from a great looking (light sport aircraft) PiperSport clear up to the very cool and affordable Meridian turboprop. “We also have the trusted and respected Seminole and Seneca V workhorse twins. And I can’t wait to get involved with the PiperJet, which will provide our customers with truly breakthrough performance, comfort and efficiency.” Groom has also held several senior sales and executive positions with Piedmont Hawthorne Aviation, Inc. – a longtime Beach dealer – culminating in an appointment as Senior Vice President.He has logged more than 10,000 hours in his 40-year flying career. He worked his way through Oklahoma State, where he earned his B.S.and M.B.A. by working as a flight instructor. He became the youngest flight instructor for the U.S. Air Force at age 19.
