CAE, a leading flight training systems provider based in Canada, has announced the appointment of Nick Leontidis as chief operating officer. This change in senior leadership is intended to improve collaboration and execution between the defense and security and civil aviation segments of the business.
Leontidis will be responsible for overseeing both segments as COO, working closely with other leaders within the company. He has extensive experience in the industry, having previously served as group president of CAE’s civil aviation business for 36 years. During his career at CAE, he has held various positions including executive vice president of strategy and business development, VP of sales and marketing, EVP of simulation products, and EVP of customers.
CAE recently decided to restructure its defense business segment in an effort to enhance performance, manage risks, and increase profitability. The decision comes after the company recorded significant impairments in goodwill, contract adjustments, and intangible assets associated with legacy contracts. Despite these challenges, CAE remains focused on margin improvement and capitalizing on growth opportunities in the defense sector. CEO Marc Parent emphasized the importance of addressing these risks and positioning the business for long-term success.