Greenwich AeroGroup has selected aviation industry veteran Robert Medina as Vice President and General Manager of Western Aircraft, succeeding Austin Shontz, who will retire following a leadership transition.
Medina brings 39 years of aviation experience spanning MRO operations, customer support, business development, and international market expansion. He joins Western Aircraft from Gulfstream Aerospace, where he most recently served as Senior Director and General Manager of the company’s Mesa Service Center.
In that role, Medina was responsible for the facility’s operations, customer experience, business growth and financial performance. Earlier in his career, he held senior service centre and customer support leadership positions at Gulfstream, as well as customer relations and regional leadership roles with Rolls-Royce North America. He also held maintenance and engineering leadership positions with American Airlines.
“Robert brings extensive MRO experience, a strong understanding of complex aviation operations and a clear commitment to the customer,” said Jim Ziegler, Vice Chairman of Greenwich AeroGroup. He added that Medina’s experience in building teams, strengthening customer relationships and managing organisations through periods of growth would support Western Aircraft’s next phase.
Medina holds a doctorate and MBA from the University of Phoenix, along with a bachelor’s degree in business accounting and an associate degree in aviation applied science from Spartan School of Aeronautics. He also holds an active FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licence.
Medina succeeds Shontz, who joined Western Aircraft as Vice President and General Manager in September 2015. During his tenure, Shontz oversaw the company’s MRO and FBO operations, leading the organisation through continued growth and two facility expansions.
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Greenwich AeroGroup said Shontz will support the transition before retiring, with the company recognising his contribution to Western Aircraft’s operational growth and customer relationships.
Medina’s appointment brings extensive OEM, airline and engine-manufacturer MRO experience to Western Aircraft as the company enters its next phase of growth.
