AeroVironment Names New President

Simi Valley drone maker AeroVironment Inc. has tapped Chief Operating Officer Wahid Nawabi as president, effective immediately, the company announced Friday. Nawabi will have a larger role in the strategic planning process of the company, which also makes electric vehicle charging stations. Chief Executive Tim Conver will remain in his current position and as chairman of AeroVironment’s board. “I am excited to take on the role and continue working with Tim and the rest of the management team as we pursue innovative growth opportunities to deliver compelling value for our customers and stockholders,” Nawabi said in a statement. Nawabi joined AeroVironment in 2011 as senior vice president and general manager, and was promoted to chief operating officer last April. Prior to AeroVironment, he held positions in companies serving the industrial/electrical equipment manufacturing and clean technology markets. Shares did not trade Monday due to the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.