Rockwell Collins announced that Chafik Hilal has been named Managing Director, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, effective January 1, 2014.

In this role, Hilal will be responsible for leading and developing the company’s commercial and government systems business interests in the region. He will succeed Yves Gallety who will retire at the end of December.

“I’m honored to be the ambassador for Rockwell Collins in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, and look forward to strengthening our long term commitment and expanding our local presence,” said Hilal.

Currently, Hilal oversees Rockwell Collins government and military business interests in the region, a role he has held since October 2012. He previously served as regional director of Commercial Systems Business Development with responsibility for southern Europe and Africa.

Prior to his positions in Europe and the Middle East, he worked as a Program Manager for Commercial Systems managing various product lines and programs in both Air Transport, and Business and Regional Systems.  He started his professional career at Rockwell Collins in Government Systems.

Hilal holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Iowa.

Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by 19,000 employees, and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries.