[SatNews] Honeybee Robotics Spacecraft Mechanisms Corporation, a developer of advanced technology for robotic and spacecraft systems, has promoted Kiel Davis to President. As a 14 year veteran of the aerospace engineering sector, including several years as the company’s Vice President of Engineering, Davis will guide Honeybee as it expands its services for the aerospace sector and grows to include new locations including offices in California, Texas and Colorado. Davis will succeed Chris Chapman, a co-founder of the company, who will now assume Vice-Chairman and Chief Financial Officer responsibilities.

Davis brings extensive experience developing electromechanical systems for the aerospace industry, from early concept to deployment. As Honeybee’s Vice President of Engineering, Davis was responsible for a number of mission areas, including project management, business development, mechanical and electrical design, control systems design, software development, systems implementation and product assurance. While Vice President of Engineering, Davis led a number of the company’s highest-profile programs, including the Mars Phoenix Lander’s Icy Sample Acquisition Device and the Mars Science Laboratory’s Surface Removal Tool. His previous work as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager at Honeybee equips him with both the technical and project management expertise associated with complex systems development programs. Davis holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Rochester and an M.S. in Systems Engineering (Robotics & Control Systems focus) from Polytechnic University. In addition to Davis, the Honeybee management team is rounded out by Chief Engineer Ron Hayes, who has over 25 years of experience in developing electromechanical technology for robotic and aerospace systems, by Vice President Kris Zacny and Vice President Erik Mumm.