Halldale Group Statement on the Retirement of Marty Kauchak

As Halldale Group continues its proud journey through more than four decades of serving the global simulation and training community, we mark a significant moment with the retirement of Marty Kauchak, who will step down on 31 October 2025 after 16 years of dedicated service.

Marty joined Halldale in 2009, following a meeting with CEO Andy Smith at a major simulation and training event in Orlando. At the time, Halldale’s world revolved around three flagship live events and bi-monthly print editions of CAT and MS&T magazines. Few could have imagined then how dramatically the industry, and our business, would evolve.

Over the years, Marty’s role expanded alongside Halldale’s transformation. From correspondent-at-large to editor, group editor, and even podcast panellist, he became a trusted voice within our publishing team and a familiar presence at simulation and training events around the world. His reporting and analysis helped capture the remarkable pace of innovation across civil aviation, defence, and other safety-critical sectors.

Reflecting on his time with Halldale, Marty spoke about the extraordinary evolution of learning technologies, from AI and XR to digital twins and data analytics, and the growing influence of emerging companies driving innovation across the S&T landscape. His insights were shaped by both his deep industry engagement and his distinguished career in the US Navy, where he retired as a Captain, later contributing to simulation and training programs within the US Department of Defense.

As he looks forward to enjoying retirement in New Orleans with his wife Mary Ann and family, Marty shared:

“I am leaving Halldale with a heavy heart. I am grateful to have had great professional and personal relationships with Andy and Chrissy Smith, and so many others who have been part of the Halldale story over the years. I wish all of you continued success in these challenging but exciting times for our industry.”

From all of us at Halldale Group, we extend our deepest thanks to Marty for his professionalism, insight, and friendship. His contributions have helped shape Halldale’s legacy and strengthened our mission to support the global training community. We wish him every happiness in the next chapter of his journey.

Halldale CEO Andy Smith shared 'It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with Marty since his days at the Pentagon, through his journalistic career and of course as a key member of the Halldale team. We, and our S&T community, will miss him greatly and wish him and Mary Ann a wonderful retirement'.