Cubic names Michael Knowles to lead Global Defense business division

Cubic Corporation of San Diego, CA announced on September 4 the appointment of Michael Knowles as corporate senior vice president and the new president of Cubic Global Defense (CGD) business division. Knowles will succeed current CGD President Dave Buss, assuming the role October 1. Additionally, Jonas Furukrona was named as the new vice president and general manager of the Air Ranges business unit, reporting to Knowles effective October 1. Buss will transition to senior advisor and corporate senior vice president role focused on corporate strategy and growth in the defense businesses.

“Under Dave Buss’ leadership, CGD recast its vision and made key investments to grow the business. Given Dave’s 36 years of Naval Aviation leadership experience, culminating from his time as the “Air Boss” and his leadership of CGD, I am very grateful that Dave will continue to make significant contributions to our team,” said Bradley Feldmann, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Cubic Corporation. “Mike Knowles’ broad background in military and commercial simulation and training, his military career in the U.S. Navy and proven success in leading business unit performance make him a great candidate to lead CGD as we continue to focus on growth.”

Prior to this role, Knowles served as the vice president and general manager of CGD’s Air Ranges business unit. He has also held executive and management roles with Rockwell Collins and Lockheed Martin. Knowles holds a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University, a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

“Jonas’ extensive experience in simulation and training as an engineer and program manager coupled with his proven success in leading business unit performance make him the perfect leader to take the Air Ranges business to the next level and support growth within CGD,” said Knowles.

Furukrona served as Director of Air Ranges business in Europe, Canada and Australia prior to this role. He came to Cubic from Rockwell Collins where he held numerous positions in engineering and program management culminating as senior programs manager for the military and commercial simulation markets.

Furukrona holds a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from George Mason University.

Source: Cubic