Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, announces the expansion of its technical senior leadership team into two distinct roles. In direct response to substantial and rapid growth, the Company has appointed industry veteran, Caroline M. Vandedrinck, as its new Senior Vice President (“SVP”), Materials & Services, to manage the Company’s strategically aligned aftermarket services businesses. Garry Failler, SVP and Chief Technical Officer, will continue to manage WLFC’s worldwide technical group, quality and logistics, as well as support the significant expansion of the Company’s fleet of assets, currently valued at $2.5 billion.
Ms. Vandedrinck brings a wealth of experience and expertise to lead and grow WLFC’s vertically integrated services businesses which include: Willis Engine Repair Center®, its engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) facilities, strategically located in Coconut Creek, Florida, and Bridgend, Wales; Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc., its spare parts and materials business, based in Coconut Creek, Florida; Willis Asset Management Limited, its asset management and consulting business based in Bridgend, Wales; and Willis Aviation Services Limited, its airframe MRO, based in Teesside, England.
“Garry Failler has done a remarkable job growing these businesses, building some of them from the ground up. With the growth we are experiencing, the time has come to focus our efforts distinctly on servicing the technical needs of our portfolio, which Garry will manage, while also growing our services businesses to maximize profits and value to our customers, which Caroline will oversee,” said Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) Austin C. Willis.
“Having known Caroline for many years, I am thrilled to welcome her to WLFC. She is an outstanding individual and an exceptional leader, possessing the skillset required to drive and support the continued growth and success of our services business units,” said Garry Failler.
With more than 30 years of aerospace and MRO industry experience, Ms. Vandedrinck has played a pivotal role in driving market share growth in existing and new markets while ensuring top-notch service for airlines and lessors. Ms. Vandedrinck has held key positions at SR Technics, Sikorsky, Barnes Aerospace, Alcoa’s Aerospace Forgings division, Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies, and Fairchild Aircraft. Her varied experience in sales leadership and management positions across different regions has equipped her with a unique perspective on the aerospace industry.
Ms. Vandedrinck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from the European University. She is also a licensed pilot with proficiency in multiple European languages, enriching her international outlook.
"Caroline is a respected executive who is well known to WLFC and the aviation industry. We are excited to welcome her to our senior leadership team and are confident that her strategic vision and leadership will further strengthen our operations and enhance our delivery of services as we continue to grow," added CEO Willis.
“I am honored to join WLFC and look forward to leading the respective teams in growing the different aftermarket services businesses at Willis. With global air transport flying hours continuing to rise above pre-pandemic levels, I believe aftermarket services will follow the same trend, and Willis' businesses are ready to meet those needs,” shared Ms. Vandedrinck.
For more information on Willis Lease Finance Corporation and the Company’s comprehensive aviation solutions, visit www.wlfc.global.