Bell Helicopter creates Japanese subsidiary
A Bell 429 helicopter in flight.
Bell Helicopter has created a Japanese subsidiary, Bell Helicopter Co., Ltd.
A Bell 429 helicopter in flight.
Bell Helicopter has created a Japanese subsidiary which will be headed by Richard Thornley. Thornley was previously president of Rolls-Royce Japan.
Thornley is responsible for marketing and sales and support activities within Japan as Bell Helicopter continues to broaden its presence in this key global market.
The new local office in Tokyo, Japan, will perform the sales and marketing for new aircraft in the commercial and civil government sectors in Japan. The office will also be responsible for supporting Bell Helicopter’s aftermarket support efforts including supporting the authorized customer service facilities (CSFs) in Japan.
”There are significant growth opportunities in the Japan market, and Bell Helicopter is committed to expanding our presence in the region,” said Danny Maldonado, Bell Helicopter’s executive vice president of Sales and Marketing.
”Richard has worked in Japan for more than 17 years, most recently as president of Rolls-Royce Japan. His extensive background in the market makes him an excellent choice for this role,” added Maldonado.
“I am excited to be heading Bell Helicopter’s new entity in Japan, especially as we prepare for the first flight of the new Bell 525 and Bell 505 helicopters this year,” Thornley said. “I look forward to building on the strong relationships already in place with our many loyal Japanese customers and look forward to serving them even better in the future.”
Thornley is a 30 year veteran of the industry, working at Westland Helicopter for 22 years, eight years as president of Westland Japan, prior to that at Rolls-Royce as president of its Japan operations.
