DAIMLER-BENZ Aerospace (DASA) has named Mannesmann Anlagenbau chairman, Dr Dietrich Russell, as the successor to aircraft division president Hartmut Mehdorn, who is leaving the company later this year. The appointment is conditional on the agreement of engineering company Mannesmann.
DASA president and chief executive Manfred Bischoff says that Russell was chosen on the basis of his extensive international experience and sound knowledge of managing large, high-technology, programmes.
The company earlier dismissed reports of Mehdorn's departure as "pure speculation" (Flight International, 15-21 March), but now confirms that his contract - which would otherwise run until 1997 - will be ended on 30 September. Mehdorn is to take over as chairman of printing press manufacturer Heidelberger Druckmaschinen.
Mehdorn was seen as a direct competitor to Manfred Bischoff in the selection of a new DASA president to succeed the promoted Jurgen Schrempp, and has been dogged by rumours of friction with other DASA executives.
The company has also confirmed the appointment of Wolf-Peter Denker as head of finance in the company's military-aircraft division, succeeding Reinhold Faltlhauser. Faltlhauser is to take over from the retiring Oskar Friedrich as managing director of Panavia Aircraft from 1 September.
Source: Flight International