For Immediate Release
January 6, 2025
Guelph, ON, Canada – Connect Tech is proud to announce the upcoming retirement of David J. Worthen, who has served as President and CEO since 1985. Today, Patrick Dietrich, formerly Chief Technical Officer, assumed the role of President, while Worthen will continue as CEO until his planned retirement in June 2025. This transition marks the next chapter in the company’s ongoing commitment to leadership excellence and innovation.
“I’ve had a great career here,” said Worthen. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with such a talented, dedicated group of people. It’s truly like standing on the shoulders of giants.”
“It’s an honor to move into this role; to lead Connect Tech into the future,” said Dietrich.
Worthen and Michael Powers founded Connect Tech in 1985, setting the stage for forty years of growth and success that have shaped the company into what it is today. When Powers retired in 2003, Worthen continued on as President and CEO of Connect Tech. In 2020, HEICO Corporation acquired Connect Tech.
“We have so many opportunities,” said Worthen. “But for me, it’s time to let the next generation take over and lead the company to new heights.”
Dietrich, now President, has been a cornerstone of Connect Tech for almost twenty years, with the last nine years serving as CTO, where he has been instrumental in driving the technical vision that has positioned the company at the forefront of innovation in embedded computing. Over a decade ago, Dietrich led the charge to position Connect Tech as an early adopter and innovator in the realm of artificial intelligence, paving the way for the company’s current success in AI-driven technologies.
Beyond his exceptional technical expertise, Dietrich has demonstrated outstanding leadership by fostering a culture of collaboration, guiding teams to achieve ambitious goals, and aligning technology with the company’s strategic business objectives. His deep understanding of both the company’s operations and the industry, combined with his ability to bridge technical excellence with sound business acumen, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Connect Tech into its next phase of growth and innovation.
“For nearly twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this company and I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor to prepare me for this role,” said Dietrich. “I want to acknowledge the incredible legacy that David has left us. [His] vision, leadership, and dedication have shaped this company into what it is today.”
Connect Tech honors this remarkable legacy built by David Worthen over the company’s forty-year history. The leadership team, staff, and friends extend their heartfelt wishes to David for a well-deserved and relaxing retirement. Under the leadership of Patrick Dietrich, the company looks forward to a bright and innovative future.
About Connect Tech
Connect Tech is a global leader in embedded computing solutions for a wide range of industries, including industrial automation, defense, robotics, transportation, and more. With a strong focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Connect Tech offers a diverse portfolio of products designed to meet the demands of the most challenging embedded applications. For more information, visit www.connecttech.com.
About HEICO Corporation
HEICO Corporation (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A) established in 1957, is a dynamic and expanding technology-driven company specializing in aerospace, industrial, defense, and electronics sectors.
Flourishing through a commitment to innovation and cost-effective solutions, HEICO’s products are integral components on large commercial, regional, business, and military aircraft, as well as diverse applications like industrial turbines, targeting systems, missiles, and electro-optical devices.
Operating in two distinct segments, the Flight Support Group and the Electronic Technologies Group, HEICO Corporation remains at the forefront of technological advancements, providing essential solutions across multiple industries. For more information, visit heico.com