Marshall Aerospace has appointed aerospace and defence veteran Ken Loy to lead delivery of its US growth strategy as president of Marshall USA, effective immediately, the company reported on 9 August 2023.
“Loy will bring four decades of valuable experience to bear in establishing an in-country presence for Marshall as the business prepares to break ground on its new aircraft maintenance and engineering facility in Greensboro, North Carolina,” the company stated in a press release.
Loy served in the US Marine Corps for 21 years and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel. When in uniform he flew AH-1W helicopters in combat, conducted flight tests of AH-1W and UH-1N helicopters, led the developmental test team for the KC-130J (a tanker version of the C-130J transport aircraft), and led a focal systems engineering team in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Joint Program Office. He subsequently joined Lockheed Martin, where he held multiple leadership roles focused on delivering technical solutions to key armed forces customers, including the US Marine Corps, US Air Force, US Army and US Coast Guard.
In more recent roles as CEO of Hensoldt Inc and as president of KL Aero Group, Loy has enabled the US affiliates of foreign-owned companies to grow their market presence and navigate key challenges such as establishing Special Security Agreements and ensuring alignment with appropriate regulatory frameworks.
“Ken brings to the table an extraordinary combination of industry leadership, technical expertise and multinational business management acumen, making him the ideal person to establish and grow Marshall’s footprint in the United States,” Marshall Aerospace Managing Director Neil McManus was quoted as stating.
“Having represented both the military and the prime contractor for the C-130 Hercules, Ken’s unique breadth of perspective allows him to stand in the shoes of both Marshall and our customers, which will prove essential in providing an unmatched standard of support in the United States.”
Located at Piedmont Triad International Airport in the heart of the well-established aerospace ecosystem centred on Greensboro, North Carolina, the new Marshall USA facility will initially comprise six bays for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul and one additional paint bay. The start of operations is planned for early 2025.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this exciting American chapter in Marshall’s history,” said Loy. “I look forward to expanding Marshall’s fantastic reputation for C-130 platform MRO and modification within the C-130’s largest market.”
Loy is a graduate of the US Naval Test Pilot School and an FAA-certified commercial pilot (fixed and rotary wing). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee and an MBA (International Business emphasis) from Georgetown University.
Peter Felstead
