Gregory H. Gernhardt Named President, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Pratt & Whitney today appointed Gregory H. Gernhardt, 49, president, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines, effective immediately. Gernhardt will report to Pratt & Whitney President Paul Adams and succeeds David M. Brantner, who has decided to depart the company. Pratt & Whitney is a division of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

“We have achieved great success in recent years in our commercial engine segment, winning five new platforms and multiple sales campaigns,” said Adams. “With more than 6,000 orders and commitments, including options, for our PurePower® engines, our technology is transforming commercial aviation. The historic first flight of the Airbus A320neo was a significant milestone, occurring ahead of schedule, and with our engines on track to meet or exceed all key performance goals at entry into service.”

“Greg is well prepared for this position. For the past five years, he led the PW1100G-JM engine program for the Airbus A320neo from the early flight demonstrator phase to the official program launch in 2010, and was instrumental to advancing it through a number of key milestones, culminating most recently in first flight,” said Adams. “During this time, Greg developed important relationships with customers across our commercial engine business, playing a pivotal role in sales campaigns and contributing to the extensive PurePower order portfolio we enjoy today. He brings to this position demonstrated leadership capabilities honed during 25 years of engine experience in engineering, program management, sales and customer service.”

Gernhardt will be responsible for all Commercial Engines program management, sales and marketing activities, and will continue to lead Pratt & Whitney through the transformation of its commercial engine business. He and his team will support airlines and OEM aircraft manufacturers with the company’s renewed portfolio of Pratt & Whitney and IAE engines.