The year closed out with Boeing Business Jets, Marenco Swisshelicopter and Quest Aircraft all undergoing leadership changes. BBJ president David Longridge announced earlier this month that he is returning to the commercial aircraft side of Boeing after leading BBJ for the past two years. A 23-year Boeing veteran, Longridge becomes v-p of sales for commercial aviation services.

Marenco Swisshelicopter founder and CEO Martin Stucki, meanwhile, mutually agreed with the company's board to “retire.” Stucki will be replaced by former Airbus Helicopters senior executive Andreas Lowenstein effective January 1.

Meanwhile, Quest Aircraft CEO Sam Hill is retiring, but will remain an advisor to the company and a member of the board of directors. The company said the move was long planned.

Other manufacturers saw CEO changes in 2016. At Piaggio Aerospace, CEO Carlo Logli stepped down and was replaced on an interim basis by COO Renato Vaghi. Also Vivek Saxena stepped in as president and CEO of Mooney International, replacing Jerry Chen.

Outside of the airframers, Aloft AeroArchitects appointed Robert (Bob) Sundin to become president and CEO. Global Jet Capital appointed Bill Boisture as chairman and Shawn Vick and CEO. Aviall selected Eric Strafel to serve as president and CEO. Also, USAIG promoted John Brogan to president and COO.

Aviation associations saw change as well. Martin Hiller succeeded Tom Hendricks as president of NATA, Greg Principato joined the National Aeronautic Association as president and CEO and Gina Russo became executive director of the Corporate Angel Network.