GE Aviation’s world headquarters in Evendale, Ohio, has officially renamed its esteemed Learning Centre to the Brian H. Rowe Learning Centre. This significant renaming ceremony pays tribute to Brian H. Rowe, one of the most influential figures in GE Aviation’s history and a true visionary in the aerospace industry. The facility, which serves as the welcoming face of GE Aviation’s global operations, was originally opened in 2004 and now proudly carries the name of a leader who propelled the company to unprecedented heights.
The Brian H. Rowe Learning Centre is more than just a building; it is a hub of knowledge and collaboration. Strategically located at the heart of GE Aviation’s headquarters, it houses state-of-the-art conference rooms and an engaging museum. This space is designed to facilitate learning and knowledge sharing for both GE Aviation employees and valued customers alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the company’s rich heritage and cutting-edge advancements in aerospace technology.
Brian H. Rowe’s impact on GE Aviation is truly monumental. Serving as president and CEO from 1979 to 1993, and dedicating an impressive 38 years to GE before retiring as division chairman in 1995, Rowe spearheaded an era of remarkable growth and global leadership. Under his guidance, GE Aviation expanded from a $2 billion division to an $8 billion powerhouse, firmly establishing itself as a world leader in the aerospace sector. His strategic vision and bold leadership are credited with transforming the company into the industry giant it is today.
“Every member of the GE Aviation team today stands on the shoulders of Brian’s extraordinary vision and unwavering courage,” acknowledged Scott Donnelly, president and CEO of GE Aviation, highlighting the enduring impact of Rowe’s contributions.
A long-time resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, before moving to Key West, Florida, Brian Rowe, at the age of 75 at the time of the renaming, boasts a remarkable list of accomplishments during his tenure at GE Aviation’s Evendale facility. His legacy is etched in the very engines that power modern aviation:
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Pioneering the CF6 Engine: Rowe spearheaded the development of the CF6 engine, GE’s groundbreaking first commercial high-bypass engine. This engine family revolutionized commercial aviation, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and reliability, and becoming a cornerstone of modern air travel.
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Instrumental in Forming CFM International: Recognizing the power of global collaboration, Rowe was a key player in the formation of CFM International. This strategic 50/50 joint venture between GE and Snecma (now Safran) of France, has become one of the most successful and enduring partnerships in aerospace history, producing the ubiquitous CFM56 engine series.
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Launching the GE90 Engine: Demonstrating his commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, Rowe launched the GE90 engine program. This engine, designed for the Boeing 777, claimed the title of the world’s most powerful jet engine, showcasing GE’s engineering prowess and setting new standards for performance and efficiency in large commercial aircraft.
Rowe’s journey to becoming an aerospace titan began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kings College – Durham University in 1955. He honed his early skills at deHavilland Engine Company in England, working on the design and manufacturing of a diverse range of engines, including piston, jet, and rocket engines, as well as contributing to the world’s first commercial jetliner engine for the deHavilland Comet.
Joining GE in 1957 as an engineer, Rowe quickly ascended through the ranks. He served as an engineering manager at the Lynn, Massachusetts facility before taking the helm of the CF6 project in 1968. His career trajectory continued upwards, with appointments as general manager of commercial engines in 1972, vice president and general manager of airline programs in 1974, and vice president and GM of engineering in 1976, before ultimately assuming the role of president and CEO in 1979.
Brian H. Rowe’s contributions have been widely recognized and celebrated throughout the aerospace industry. He is a respected Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and an esteemed member of the National Academy of Engineering. His accolades also include the prestigious Legion D’Honneur from the French Government in 1985 and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science and Technology from the University of Cincinnati in 1987.
GE Aviation, a core operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), stands as a global leader in the manufacture of jet engines for both civil and military aircraft. Beyond engine manufacturing, GE is also the world’s foremost provider of comprehensive maintenance and support services for jet engines, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of aircraft worldwide. The renaming of the Learning Centre to the Brian H. Rowe Learning Centre serves as a lasting tribute to a remarkable leader and a powerful reminder of GE Aerospace’s commitment to innovation, education, and the enduring legacy of its pioneers.
