News Release
GULFSTREAM APPOINTS RICHARD VAN THIEL VICE PRESIDENT, COMPLETION DESIGN AND SALES SUPPORT
SAVANNAH, Ga., Jan. 08, 2004 - Richard Van Thiel has been named vice president, completion design and sales support. He replaces Curtis VanNice, who recently retired. Van Thiel had served as the director of completion sales for the Gulfstream G300, G400 and G450 business jet aircraft since July 2000.
Van Thiel began his 27-year aviation career as an avionics technician in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years and achieving the rank of sergeant. After his honorable discharge in 1981, he joined KC Aviation in Appleton, Wis., as an avionics installation technician. In 1992, he was appointed avionics sales executive and following Gulfstream's purchase of KC Aviation in 1998, he was appointed completions sales executive. In September last year, Van Thiel transferred to Gulfstream's Savannah, Ga., business jet manufacturing and service facility.
"Rick's hands-on knowledge of aircraft systems, his firm grasp of our customers' needs and his commitment to quality and customer satisfaction make him an ideal candidate for this important position," said Raynor Reavis, senior vice president, marketing and sales, Gulfstream. Van Thiel is a current member of the Aircraft Electronics Association as well as a past member of Gulfstream's Tomorrow II team, the Honeywell Dealer Advisory Board and the Allied Signal Dealer Advisory Board.
NOTE TO EDITORS
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world's most technologically advanced business jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 1,400 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the mid-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G100™; the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200™; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G300™; the large-cabin, long-range Gulfstream G400™; the large-cabin, long-range G450™; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500™ and the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550™. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs more than 6,750 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 66,900 people worldwide and estimates 2003 revenues of $16.1 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation. More information about the company can be found on the World Wide Web at www.generaldynamics.com.
