Q&A WITH JON RUDY, OUR CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Jon Rudy joined PHI earlier this year. Based out of Lafayette, Jon has taken on the role of Chief Commercial Officer – Business Development for PHI Aviation.

Jon and his family reside in Conroe, Texas. Jon and his wife Julie are proud parents to 16-year-old twins Jackson and Alison and 13-year-old Kate.

By way of background, Jon has spent two decades in the Aerospace and Defense sector. He is a former United States Marine and graduate of Texas A&M University.

We spoke to Jon about the different roles in his career so far and his role at PHI.

Tell us about your career to date:

Fresh out of the Marine Corps, I joined Bell Helicoptersin 1999 in an entry-level marketing position. Over mytime at Bell, I had the opportunity to acquire a pilot’slicense and serve in roles that included Regional SalesManager, Director of UAV Programs and Director ofAsia Pacific Commercial Sales. In 2008, I left Bellto take a position at General Dynamics where I ledglobal sales of MRAP combat vehicles to alliesaround the world supporting Iraq and Afghanistan.In 2014, I joined Sikorsky where I served as thecompany point of contact for international oil andgas customers and later as the Director of AsiaPacific sales for commercial and military aircraft.

What led you to join PHI?

I’ve always had a great deal of respect for PHI. PHI’s reputation for safety, integrity and service is unmatched in this industry. When the opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance to join the PHI team.

What’s your role at PHI?

I’ve joined as the Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, I work with the COOs and their business development resources to develop a broader global strategy for growth and diversification. I work with a great team; this is an exciting time for PHI, with our newly established headquarters in Perth and London which will bring us closer to our key markets and our focus on diversification.

How has your time at PHI been so far?

Short answer—excellent. I’ve been here a couple of months now and have been on multiple international trips, meeting with a number of our customers and PHI team members.

After a challenging couple of years, the market has rebounded, and it’s been great to get out and foster new connections. The overwhelming message I’ve received from our customers is that they trust PHI because of our safety culture and commitment to excellence. This sets us apart from our competitors.

What areas of opportunity do you see in the near future?

There are significant opportunities for PHI, especially with our focus on diversification into new markets. We have opportunities to grow our traditional core business into new regions as well as adjacent markets including MRO, SAR, UAV operations, wind energy and government contracts.

What are you most proud of in your career?

At this point in my career, my greatest accomplishment is being offered a position at PHI. This position is a great honor with no shortage of responsibility. I take this role very seriously, and I look forward to the adventure ahead.