EADS Socata names Ken Dono as the 2008 “MVP” for TBM 850 sales
Tarbes, 25 June 2008
EADS Socata announced today that Ken Dono, TBM Sales Manager at U.S.-based Columbia Air Services in Groton, Connecticut, has been named the “2008 Most Valuable Player of EADS Socata’s Worldwide Sales Network,” which acknowledges the best sales performance during the last 12 months.
In recognition of his accomplishment, Dono received a TBM bronze sculpture, which is an original artwork by Erik R. Lindbergh – artist, pilot and grandson of Charles Lindbergh. This is the first recognition of a TBM sales representative, whose selection was made by a panel of EADS Socata executives. Columbia Aircraft Sales serves as an exclusive sales and service center for EADS Socata’s TBM700 and TBM850 products in the northeast area of North America, covering territory from the state of Virginia to Eastern Canada. EADS Socata CEO Jean-Michel Léonard said the award was truly earned by Ken Dono based on his outstanding sales performance over the past 12 months. . “It was tough competition, as all members of our worldwide network have broken sales records. Today, the backlog exceeds 100 TBM 850s” Léonard added.
“Within the Socata network, the sales organization represents the best of the best. To be recognized within such an elite group, is both an honor and humbling,” Dono said. “Without the help and support of my colleagues at Columbia Aircraft Sales, Columbia Air Services and EADS Socata, this would not have been possible. My sincerest thanks to everyone at EADS Socata for supporting a product that is in a class of its own.”
“This is a very prestigious award given to a very deserving individual,” stated Art Maurice, the President of Columbia Aircraft Sales. “I am so proud of Ken and of what this recognition means to our entire company.”
The concept for an EADS Socata MVP award was decided last year to give an impetus to the TBM 850 sales and marketing network, and to reward outstanding efforts of sales persons who are not often highly visible within the company.
“As certain regions cannot generate large sales numbers, the winner’s selection was based on various factors, which include sales achievement, trade show participation, customer relations excellence, positive attitude and willingness to help,” explained Nicolas Chabbert, the President of EADS Socata North America. “We are very proud of the quality and professionalism of our network,” Chabbert concluded.
About EADS Socata
EADS Socata is one of the world’s leading general aviation manufacturers, with more than 17,000 aircraft built since its creation as Morane-Saulnier in 1911. Current products include the TBM family of high-speed turboprops, TB GT piston aircraft, aerostructures for Airbus civil airliners, the A400M military transporter, Dassault Falcon jets, Eurocopter helicopters and Embraer regional jets. EADS Socata is expanding its customer service activities, to support its growing fleet of TBM and offer its light aviation expertise for aircraft below 5.7 metric tons through avionics modernization, maintenance, repair and overall package offers. Headquartered in Tarbes, France, with North American operations in Pembroke Pines, Florida, EADS Socata is a wholly-owned subsidiary of EADS group.
About EADS
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2007, EADS generated revenues of €39.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 116,000. The Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and EADS Astrium, the European leader in space programs from Ariane to Galileo. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, develops the A400M through its Military Transport Aircraft Division, and holds a stake in the joint venture MBDA, the international leader in missile systems.
Media contact:
| Philippe de Segovia |
Tel.: +33 670 21 70 47 www.socata.eads.net mailto: philippe.de-segovia@socata.eads.net |
