Craig Picken

About Craig Picken

I am a skilled builder of high-impact Manufacturing, Operations, Finance and Aftermarket Services leadership teams for the Aviation, Aerospace and Space industries.My professional career started out with a passion for airplanes. After eight years’ experience as a combat decorated Naval Flight Officer – with more than hours of flight time and 325 aircraft carrier landings – I sought challenges in the private aircraft manufacturing industry, spending more than seven years in sales with both Gulfstream Aircraft and Bombardier Business Aircraft. During this time I sold or was involved with the sale of more than $700 million in aircraft. In 2008 I started CRAIG PICKEN Executive Search with a simple mission: elevate aerspace and aviation leadership. Since then I\'ve completed more than 400 senior level executive placements - CEOs, COOs, CFOs and VPs of Sales and Operations - with OEMs, aircraft operators, MRO providers, and private equity portfolio companies. What sets me apart? I am the only executive recruiter who has flown airplanes, sold airplanes, and led teams inside the industry. I don\'t just fill roles - I match leaders with teh companies and investors who are shaping the future of aerospace.I\'m also the host of The Aerospace Executive Podcast, where I\'ve had the privilege of interviewing 250+ industry leaders, innovators, and investors on the forces reshaping aviation. If you\'re building a leadership team to win in aerospace and aviation or you\'re a senior executive ready for a new challenge - let\'s connect! A Texas Tech Graduate with a B.S. in International Trade, I have lived overseas and conducted business in more than 70 countries. RECENT SUCCESS:CEO - PE Backed Precision Manufacturer - MichiganCEO - PE Backed Precision Manufacturer - New HampshireVP of Flight Operations - Premier Business Jet Charter / Management CoCFO - Industry Leading SATCOM provider Chief Commercial Officer - Leading Aviation Services ProviderVP Engineering - Commercial Aircraft MROVP of ODA - PE Backed, Commercial Aircraft MRO and Services ProviderVP Product Line - Industry leading, Publicly Traded SATCOM provider

Experience

1. Managing Director

   Craig Picken Executive Search

   Apr 2008 — Present

   Co-Founder of a premier, retained executive search firm focused on senior-level executives for the Aviation / Aerospace industry.

Education

• Texas Tech University

  B.S., International Trade

  1982 — 1987

Skills

• Program Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Flights
• Navy
• Executive Management
• Helicopters
• Business Planning
• Operations Management
• Business Strategy
• Manufacturing
• Airlines
• Executive Search
• International Sales
• Strategic Planning
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Development
• Strategy
• Aircraft
• Systems Engineering
• Financial Research
• Marketing
• International Business
• Account Management
• Logistics
• New Business Development
• Human Resources
• Analysis
• Six Sigma
• Contract Management
• Finance
• Commercial Aviation
• Avionics
• Leadership
• Management
• Team Building
• Process Improvement
• Aerospace
• Aviation
• Contract Negotiation