NOVATO, Calif., March 3, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (Nasdaq:WLFC), the premier independent jet engine lessor in the commercial finance sector, today announced that Robert J. Keady was unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of Willis Lease, as a Class II director, effective immediately. Mr. Keady will also serve on the Board's Compensation and Audit Committees. The recent resignation of W. William Coon Jr. from the Board of Directors left an immediate vacancy on the Board.
"We thank William Coon for his dedicated service to our company. His expertise in the aviation industry has been a tremendous asset to us," said Charles F. Willis, Chairman and CEO. "At the same time, we welcome Robert Keady to our Board. He brings a wealth of aviation expertise that we believe will be very beneficial for the Company as we continue executing our vision of growth." Mr. Keady is a Senior Advisor to Mitsubishi Aircraft, Member of the Board of Advisors of ASE Holdings, St. Paul, MN, and is the Founder and current President of Eastern Aviation Consulting Group in Glastonbury, CT. Formerly, for more than thirty years, he was a senior manager in sales, marketing and business development with engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney. He graduated from Purdue University with a Master of Science in Management, and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at the University of Notre Dame.
"I'm honored to have been elected to the Board of Directors of Willis Lease," said Robert J. Keady. "Willis Lease has established itself as a leading and most innovative aviation leasing company, and I'm eager to contribute to their continued growth."
Willis Lease Finance
Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, APU's and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers in 110 countries. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools supported by cutting edge technology, as well as various end-of-life solutions for aircraft, engines and aviation materials provided through its subsidiary, Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc.