David Coleal leaves Bombardier
David Coleal Corporate Jet Investor
David Coleal is leaving Bombardier with the company cutting his role of President Bombardier Aviation.
“Our goal is to create a leaner, more agile and customer-centric company to better capture growth opportunities with our industry-leading business jet portfolio,” said Éric Martel, President and CEO, Bombardier. “This includes simplifying our corporate leadership structure.”
Coleal returned to the manufacturer and became President of Bombardier Business Aircraft in 2015. At the time the company was struggling due to delays and extra costs on its C-Series airline programme. He was hired by Allan Bellemare who was replaced as CEO by Martel.
“I want to acknowledge and thank David Coleal for his many contributions to Bombardier,” said Martel. “We wish David continued success in his future endeavours.”
Quick take: Coleal’s sudden departure is a surprise but was probably inevitable when Martel, who had held the same role until 2015, returned to the much smaller Bombardier. With the sale of Bombardier’s rail business going ahead it did not need two presidents.
Having previously ran Learjet, Coleal was seen to be attached to the aircraft despite it making around 12 aircraft a year. His departure will lead to more questions about the long-term future of the programme.
Bellemare, is now an operating consultant in the Global Aerospace, Defense & Government Services Group at Carlyle. Coleal who has delivered at Bombardier – particularly with the Global 7500, Global 6500 and Global 5500 – will also be in demand.
Also read: CJIQ 2019 interview: Coleal delivering on Bombardier’s promises
Coleal’s CV
-June 2015-October 2020: President, Bombardier Business Aircraft/Bombardier Aviation
-2008-2011: Executive Vice President and general manager – Boeing, Business and Regional Jet Programmes, Spirit Aerosystems
-2008-2011:Vice President and general manager, Bombardier Learjet
-2001 to 2008: President and CEO, Cirrus Design Corporation
Other roles: Engagement manager, McKinsey & Company; New Product Development Manager, Caterpillar; Assistant manager, New United Motor Manufacturing.
