ST Engineering appoints new head of US headquarters amid US push

ST Engineering has appointed Tom Vecchiolla to head its US headquarters, VT Systems, as it focuses on expanding its US presence, particularly in the defence segment. Mr Vecchiolla takes over John Coburn's position as president and chief executive officer starting from Dec 1, 2018.

Mr Coburn will remain as non-executive chairman of VT Systems. 

Mr Vecchiolla has 17 years of experience in the private sector and 24 years in the public and military sector. Prior to joining VT Systems, he founded his consultancy firm based in Washington DC to provide senior advisory services for global aerospace and defence clients. He holds a Master of Science in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and Bachelor of Science from the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland. 

"I am fortunate to have served and played a part in ST Engineering's growth in the US.  With a list of renowned and leading businesses in the US, there is so much more potential for the group to tap on," said Mr Coburn.  "The time is now right for me to hand over the leadership as ST Engineering embarks on its next phase of growth and opportunities, with the US market playing a more critical role in driving the success of the group."

VT Systems was set up in 2001 to support the group's overseas expansion. Today, the US is the group's largest market outside Singapore, with operating companies and major operations in 16 cities, contributing more than 20 per cent to group revenue. Headquartered in Singapore, ST Engineering reported revenue of S$6.62 billion in FY2017.