ROBINSON’S NEW ERA


The Robinson


Helicopter Co. is based in the


greater Los Angeles area, with its


headquarters and manufacturing plant located at


Torrance Municipal


Airport – Zamperini Field (KTOA), where an R22 prototype


took its first flight in August 1975.


(VAI/Don Kelsen Photo)


F


ROM THE SALE OF THE FIRST Robinson R22 in October 1979, Robinson Helicopter Co. was defined by the vision and leadership of founder


Frank Robinson. No new design, manufactur- ing process, customer service center, or sales procedure was executed without his review and approval. In many ways, his all-encompassing management style helped to make the company a success, with more than 13,000 Robinson air- craft delivered since the company’s founding in 1973. After Frank’s 2010 retirement, his son, Kurt Robinson, took over as company president and CEO. In 2023, David Smith joined Robinson as VP of operations, bringing his engineering and


leadership experience from Bell. Smith was named president and CEO in February 2024, the first non-Robinson family member to lead the company. Kurt Robinson transitioned to an advi- sory role and remains on the company’s board of directors. The transition to Smith as the company’s top


executive had been planned for some time after the OEM obtained outside investment funds. Smith was handpicked by the investment firm, Kurt Robinson, and the Robinson board of direc- tors based on his vision for Robinson’s expansion and ability to compete in an increasingly evolv- ing market. His appointment continued Frank Robinson’s vision of ensuring growth by choosing a leader with a strong engineering background.


30


POWER UP DEC 2024


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