Troy Brunk, who earned a degree in industrial engineering at the University of Iowa in 1992, has been named president of Collins Aerospace, an aerospace and defense giant that is among the largest employers in Iowa. 

Brunk was selected to lead the $26 billion company with more than 80,000 employees in July, succeeding Stephen Timms, who is retiring. Brunk brings 30 years of experience to the role, including overseeing several components of the Collins portfolio.  

“Having led three of the six strategic business units at Collins Aerospace, Troy has a deep understanding of the portfolio and its customers” Christopher Calio, RTX president and CEO, said in a statement announcing the hire. “Troy's decades of industry experience and leadership make him the right person to lead Collins into its next phase of growth.” 

RTX is the parent company of Collins.  

The University of Iowa College of Engineering expressed congratulations following the announcement.  

“The College of Engineering is delighted to learn that Troy Brunk has been named the president of Collins Aerospace,” said Ann McKenna, dean of the College of Engineering. “We are proud he is among our distinguished alumni, and we are grateful for his engagements and partnership with the college. Troy’s leadership and success serve as an example of the potential that can be unlocked through the solid educational foundation provided by the University of Iowa College of Engineering."

Brunk has served in a variety of roles at Collins. As president of mission systems, he oversaw a portfolio responsible for delivering military, government, and civil solutions to help global customers safely and successfully complete their most complex missions. As president of avionics, Brunk was responsible for the design, manufacture, and service of advanced flight deck solutions. As president of the interiors unit, his portfolio included an array of aircraft interior systems. 

In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Brunk earned a Master of Business Administration at the University of Iowa in 2005. Brunk has given back to the College of Engineering over the years, including serving on the advisory board for the former Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.