Mooney International has named a new president and CEO – Vivek Saxena. Saxena, who holds a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Cambridge, most recently worked as an aviation consultant at ICF International and has served in executive roles at Pratt & Whitney Canada for 16 years.

Saxena replaces Jerry Chen, who had served in the leadership role since the company’s restart, which was announced in early 2014. Since then Mooney International has been on a steady and strong track. After restarting production of the M20 Acclaim and Ovation, the production facilities were modernized and the company launched the Ultra version of its M20 line with a composite fuselage, new interior and two doors.

In addition to rebuilding the headquarters in Kerrville, Texas, the company opened a research and development center in Chino, California, wher two models of the new, smaller M10-series are in development.

“It is my goal now to take the company to its next level, and help it attain the long-term success we know is possible,” Saxena said. “It is a responsibility that I, along with everyone on the Mooney team, take very much to heart and a mission we are very well prepared to undertake.”