Michael Kraft

Michael Kraft has been Senior Vice President And General Manager of Lycoming Engines since August 2009. He is responsible for developing business strategies to drive long-term growth and profitability, while ensuring operational excellence to support the company’s extensive client base. Michael also heads the Lycoming Leadership Team.

Previously, Michael had served as Lycoming’s Vice President of Research, Development and Engineering, where he led a high-performing team that accelerated product development, while still meeting the company’s high engine safety and performance standards. Working cross-functionally with Marketing, Materials, Operations, Quality and Finance, he led the identification and technical development of new products, technology, processes and systems to maintain and enhance Lycoming’s industry position.
A certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Michael joined Lycoming after tenures in engineering and general management at Andritz, GE Power Systems, and GE Aircraft Engines. In his engineering leadership roles, he has formed high performance teams capable of rapidly improving product development cycles without compromising product safety or performance.
Michael holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.