Gary Leonard

Global Technology Director
Aero-Thermal & Mechanical Systems Technologies

Gary is currently the Global Technology Director for GE’s Global Research Center in the areas of Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Systems, Combustion and Mechanical Systems. This organization has 400 engineers and scientists located in the US, Germany, India and China, who are responsible for developing GE’s next generation of technologies for GE’s Energy, Aviation, Transportation and Oil and Gas Businesses. Gary’s responsibilities include high performance computing tools and their validation, advanced design concepts to improve the efficiency, cost, reliability and emissions footprint of GE’s current products, and defining GE’s next generation of products and systems for GE’s infrastructure businesses.

From Dec 2006 to April 2008, Gary led the integration of Smiths Aerospace into GE’s Aviation Business.

From June 2004 to Dec 2006, Gary was President of a JV between GE and Honda to develop, market, sell, produce, and service aircraft engines for small business jets.

From March 2003 to June 2004, Gary managed GE Aircraft Engine’s Strategic Marketing Organization. His responsibilities included identifying business growth opportunities, product planning, competitive assessment, industry trending and forecasting.

From 1999 to 2003, Gary led GE’s Industrial Aeroderivative Gas Turbine Business. Under Gary’s leadership the business tripled in size. Gary also led the development of the LM6000, LM2500+ and LMS100 gas turbines during his tenure with the Aeroderivative Business.

Gary started his career with GE as a research scientist at the Global Research Center in Niskayuna, NY. During this period, he conducted research to improve GE’s heavy-duty gas turbines and locomotive engines. His specialties included heat transfer, fluid mechanics and combustion.

Experience:

  • 2008 to Present: Global Technology Director, Aero Thermal and Mechanical Systems
  • 2006 to 2008: Smiths Aerospace Integration Leader
  • 2004 to 2006: President, GE-Honda Aero Engines, LLC
  • 2003 to 2004: GM, GE Aircraft Engines Strategic Marketing
  • 1999 to 2003: GM, GE Industrial Aeroderivative (IAD) Gas Turbine Business
  • 1998 to 1999: Six Sigma Quality Leader (Master Black Belt), GE IAD
  • 1996 to 1998: Manager, New Product Development and Strategic Planning, GE IAD
  • 1993 to 1996: Product Line Manager – LM6000 Gas Turbine, GE IAD
  • 1991 to 1993: Manager, Advanced Gas Turbines, GE IAD
  • 1990 to 1991: Program Manager, GE Aeroderivative GT Combustion Programs, GE IAD
  • 1986 to 1990: Program Manager, Combustion Systems, GE Corporate Research
  • 1982 to 1986: Senior Staff Engineer, Engineering System Lab, GE Corporate Research
  • 1977 to 1982: Research Assistant, Stanford University

Education:

  • Stanford University, PhD 1982; ME – Fluid Mechanics / Heat Transfer
  • Stanford University, MS 1978; ME – System Dynamicsv
  • UC Davis, BS 1977; ME

Other Information: Married with 3 sons. Hobbies include golf, fishing and skiing.