The aviation industry lost a talented leader when Earl Exum, International Aero Engines chairperson and Pratt & Whitney vice president of Mature Commercial Engines, died on Oct. 1 at age 55.
“Earl’s passing is a tremendous loss to the Pratt & Whitney community. He was an extraordinary friend, colleague and mentor to many throughout his more than 25 years at the company,” said Rick Deurloo, president of Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines, in a memo to employees.
Exum was appointed in June to his current position and previously held positions such as IAE president, VP maintenance services and aftermarket sales, and VP commercial spares and material solutions.
“Earl was as passionate about his professional responsibilities as he was in building the next generation of leaders for Pratt & Whitney and RTX. He was the power behind Pratt & Whitney’s development of the African American Forum, which has grown into one of RTX’s most mature ERGs—BXN, the Black Excellence Network. He also served on the RTX DE&I Advisory Council, and on several community boards. Earl was an active mentor and sponsor for so many across the company—and he was always willing to take someone new under his wing.
Earl lived his beliefs out loud—with respect and dignity for all—and inspired others to do the same. His steadfast leadership, insight and patience was invaluable, especially when navigating tough times. He will be remembered for the great impact he made at Pratt & Whitney, both professionally and personally. I have no doubt that the many colleagues who Earl inspired over the years will ensure that his legacy of excellence lives on,” said Deurloo.
Obi Obiora, Pratt & Whitney’s chief of staff to the president of IAE AG & VP of V2500 programs worked with Exum for more than three years. “He was an incredible manager and mentor fiercely passionate about the things he believed in. His presence and energy will be missed dearly.”
Exum positively impacted many, both at Pratt & Whitney and throughout his many volunteer efforts. He felt strongly about giving back to the community. “Earl Exum didn’t just talk about the value of mentoring, the importance of community involvement and the benefits of DE&I—he acted on and lived those beliefs. Earl has made a positive difference in countless lives through his action and caring—who could ask for a better legacy than that?” says Mary Ellen Jones, a strategic advisor to JetZero, Airlink board member and former Pratt & Whitney VO and Engine Alliance president.
People throughout his life noted him as a role model. “Earl Exum was a great man. Never backed down from the truth. Never stopped fighting for fairness and equity. Never met someone he wouldn’t help. And never stopped striving for greatness in himself or others. We lost a giant. This is an ache felt far and wide and deep and real,” says Amanda Jarrell Billiot, Pratt & Whitney VP, HR for Org Health & DEI.
The Exum family established the Earl E. Exum Memorial Fund with the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to support nonprofit causes with which Earl was affiliated: hfpg.org - https://hartford.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list.
He is survived by his wife and three sons.
His obituary can be found here.
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