Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced that Gary Kelley, its vice president of marketing, is retiring from the company at the end of the year.

Kelley joined Garmin in 1992 as director of marketing, during which time he oversaw the development of Garmin’s global marketing, sales, support and advertising strategies in the early days of the company.  His experience and enthusiasm for aviation led him to become deeply involved in Garmin’s aviation sales and marketing division. Kelley has been a tireless contributor to the aviation industry, serving as a board member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the NBAA (National Business Aircraft Association) – AMAC board of directors.  Previously, he represented Garmin as a member of the executive board for the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA).

“Gary led the early formation of our sales and marketing efforts around the world, and those early contributions provided the foundation of the world-class company we have become today,” said Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and chief operating officer. “Gary leaves us having made many contributions, but his special legacy is the development of our aviation business including the introduction of game changing products like our GNS 430 and 530, and the G1000® integrated cockpit system.  Most recently, he’s led the charge to bring Garmin avionics into larger, Part 25 aircraft.  Gary’s passion for aviation and the relationships he nurtured over the years were instrumental in moving Garmin from a startup to an established supplier of leading-edge avionics systems.  We thank Gary for all of his contributions and wish Gary and his wife Pam health and happiness as they enter this new phase of their lives.”

In a related announcement, Pemble appointed Philip Straub as vice president, managing director – aviation.  In this newly created role, Straub will lead all facets of Garmin’s aviation business, including product development, flight operations, certification, sales, marketing, and support.

Straub joined Garmin in 1993 after earning a BS degree in electrical engineering and was a key contributor and leader in the creation of the GNS 430/530 and G1000 integrated cockpit systems.  In addition to his engineering skills, Straub is an accomplished pilot and holds an airline transport pilot certificate for multi-engine, as well as a flight instructor certificate with single-engine, multi-engine and instrument privileges.

Straub has appointed Carl Wolf as vice president, aviation marketing and sales, a role previously held by Kelley.  Wolf, an avionics industry veteran, joined Garmin in 2002 and in his new role will oversee all Garmin aviation sales and marketing activities globally, including OEM, aftermarket/retrofit, government and military sales, portable sales, marketing, and product management. Wolf holds an airline transport pilot certificate for multi-engine, and has logged over 4,500 flight hours.

Straub also appointed Frank McLoughlin as vice president, aviation engineering, assuming the role previously held by Straub.  McLoughlin will oversee engineering design, software, program management and systems and aircraft certification.  McLoughlin joined Garmin in 2001 after its acquisition of Sequoia Instruments, from which Garmin acquired AHRS and air data technology.  McLoughlin holds a Ph.D. in mechanical and electrical engineering from Stanford University, and is a private pilot as well.

The new appointees will assume their new roles immediately in order to ensure a smooth transition as Kelley retires.

“I admire Phil for many reasons including his skills as a business leader, engineer, and pilot,” Pemble said.  “Behind all of his accomplishments is a true passion for aviation and a dedication to serving customers.  I am excited about our future under the capable leadership of Phil, Frank, and Carl.”

Garmin’s aviation business segment is a leading provider of solutions to both OEM and aftermarket customers.  Garmin’s portfolio includes navigation, communication, flight control, surveillance, and other products that are known for innovation, reliability, and value.  Garmin offers solutions for Part 23, Part 25, and Part 27 certificated aircraft as well as solutions for experimental and light sport aircraft.