General Dynamics is promoting Gulfstream Aerospace president Larry Flynn to executive vice president of the parent corporation’s aerospace group, putting in place a succession plan for when Joe Lombardo retires in June. Succeeding Flynn will be Mark Burns, currently president of product support for Gulfstream. The changes take effect July 1.

In his new role, Flynn will have responsibility for both Gulfstream and aircraft maintenance, completions and FBO provider Jet Aviation. Flynn, 63, became president of Gulfstream in 2011, freeing Lombardo, then the president, to focus on his duties as executive vice president for General Dynamics. 

Flynn joined Gulfstream in 1995 and served as senior vice president of marketing and sales and president of product support. He brought an extensive aircraft services background to Gulfstream, having held senior roles with Stevens Aviation, Signature Flight Support and AMR Combs. Under his stewardship, Gulfstream vastly expanded its Savannah, Ga. campus, brought the G650 and G280 to market and, just four four months ago, rolled out two new models: the G500 and G600.

Burns, 55, has served in his current position since June 2008, steering the worldwide service and customer support network. Under Burns, the network has expanded globally, with Gulfstream becoming the first business aviation OEM with its own service center in China. A 32-year Gulfstream veteran, Burns previously was vice president of customer support and vice president of completions engineering. Gulfstream has not yet announced a successor for Burns.

Lombardo is retiring after a 40-year aerospace career. He joined Gulfstream in 1996.