Steven Townend will assume the role of M D and CEO, succeeding Robert Martin, who will step down from the position transitioning to a non-executive Director role on the Board.
BOC Aviation Limited, a prominent global aircraft operating leasing company, has disclosed significant leadership changes effective January 1, 2024. Steven Townend will assume the role of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Robert Martin, who will step down from the position on December 31, 2023, transitioning to a non-executive Director role on the Board. As of September 30, 2023, BOC Aviation boasts a fleet of 681 aircraft owned, managed, and on order, leased to 93 airlines across 44 countries and regions. These leadership changes signal a strategic evolution for BOC Aviation, aligning its experienced leadership with its continued global growth objectives.
Wu Jianguang is set to become the Chief Financial Officer from January 1, 2024, taking over from Townend, who will relinquish the CFO role at the end of December 2023. The transition has been strategically planned to ensure a smooth shift in leadership and maintain the company’s trajectory of success.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Mr Martin for his leadership through the key moments in the company’s history and for leading the company to unbroken profitability through both good times and more challenging times for the industry,” said Liu Jin, Chairman, BOC Aviation Limited. “I congratulate Steven on his new role, he brings a deep knowledge of both the company and the industry. I am very pleased that our careful succession planning means that we have an excellent successor, who will drive the continued success of the company through its next phase of growth,” he further added.
After a meticulous review, the Board of Directors has chosen Mr. Steven Townend for the role of Managing Director and CEO. Townend, with a remarkable 22-year tenure at the firm, currently serves as the Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer. His extensive experience of over thirty years in leasing and banking, specifically in aviation, positions him well for this leadership role. Notably, Townend assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer in October 2020, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from his prior roles as Chief Commercial Officer at BOC Aviation in both London and Singapore over 16 years.
“Robert has steered BOC Aviation for the last 25 of its 30-year history,” said Steven Townend, Chief Financial Officer, BOC Aviation Limited. “His influence on both BOC Aviation and the aircraft leasing industry has been profound and our best wishes are with him for the future. We have worked closely together for many years to develop this leading global aircraft leasing business and an excellent management team that will continue to build on the strong foundations that we have established,” he further added.
In response, Steven Townend acknowledged Mr. Martin’s significant influence on both BOC Aviation and the aircraft leasing industry. He extended best wishes to Mr. Martin for the future, recognizing their collaborative efforts in developing a leading global aircraft leasing business and an exceptional management team.
Also Read- CDB Aviation Leases Six Boeing and Airbus jets to Hainan Airlines
Simultaneously, Wu Jianguang, currently serving as Deputy Chief Financial Officer since November 2022, will step into the role of Chief Financial Officer. Wu brings a wealth of experience from his 30-year career, notably his recent position as General Manager of the Financial Management Department at the Bank of China. In his new role, Wu will oversee key departments, including Accounting and Reporting, Financial Planning, Financial Control, Tax, Treasury, and Settlement.
