CEDAR RAPIDS (AP) - A Rockwell Collins Inc. executive announced is retiring and the company named an immediate successor.

The Cedar Rapids-based aviation electronics manufacturer and defense contractor announced Monday that Denny Helgeson, the vice president and general manager of business and regional systems, will retire this fall after 33 years with the company.

He has worked in engineering, production, marketing, program management and strategy development and has served in his current position since 2002.

Greg Irmen has been appointed as Helgeson's successor. He has 11 years of service with Rockwell Collins, with his most recent assignment as senior director, Boeing programs.

Helgeson will continue in his position until September, focusing on the transition.

Rockwell Collins develops and markets communication and aviation electronics for commercial and government applications.

It has 20,000 employees in 27 countries.