Former General Electric Aircraft Engines president and jet engine design pioneer Brian Rowe died on 22 February at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia following surgery. He was 75 years old.
Rowe will be best remembered for launching the GE90, the world's most powerful jet engine. In his early years at GE, Rowe also led the development of the highly successful CF6 and was a key player in the formation of CFM International, the 50:50 joint company of GE and Snecma.
Born in England, Rowe graduated from Durham University in 1955. He worked for De Havilland Engine Company before leaving the UK and joining GE in 1957 as an engineer. He rose through the ranks to become president and chief executive in 1979 - a role he undertook until 1993.
Rowe's death occurred as the GEnx, GE's engine for the 787 which is based on the architecture of the GE90, was getting airborne on the company's flying testbed in Victorville, California.
Source: Flight International
