Tuesday, August 21, 2007

AeroVironment's MacCready Retires

AeroVironment, a manufacturer of unmanned aircraft and electric energy components, announced yesterday that its board of directors has unanimously elected Tim Conver as its next chairman. Conver, who has served on AeroVironment's board since the late 1980s, succeeds founder Dr. Paul MacCready, who has retired for health reasons. MacCready is known as the inventor of the first, human-powered flying machine, the Gossamer Condor. MacCready founded the company in 1971. Conver's appointment is effectively immediately, the company said, adding that Conver has been president since 1991 and chief executive officer since 1993. Headquartered in Monrovia, Calif., AeroVironment designs, produces and supports equipment for the U.S. Defense Department and allied military forces.

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