David Hooke Joins Willis Lease Finance to Accelerate M&A Strategy in Aviation Leasing

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) has brought on David Hooke as Senior Vice President of Mergers & Acquisitions, marking a strategic move to strengthen its competitive position in the global aviation services sector. Hooke’s appointment, effective immediately, signals the company’s commitment to pursuing targeted acquisitions and partnerships that will fuel expansion across its leasing, trading, and services platforms.

From Military Leadership to Investment Banking Excellence

Hooke’s career trajectory reflects a unique blend of discipline and financial acumen. After serving 17 years in the United States Marine Corps—including a stint as a KC-130J Aircraft Commander where he flew combat missions in Afghanistan—he transitioned into the investment banking world. At Bank of America, he spent more than a decade as Managing Director of Investment Banking, where he advised numerous clients, including WLFC itself, on complex mergers, acquisitions, public offerings, and capital markets transactions. This deep experience in structuring major deals makes him well-positioned to lead Willis Lease Finance’s acquisition strategy.

Strategic Vision for Portfolio Growth

Charles F. Willis, Executive Chairman of WLFC, expressed confidence in the appointment, noting that Hooke’s “strategic insight, leadership, and investment banking experience” will be instrumental as the company pursues continued expansion. David Hooke himself emphasized his enthusiasm for the role, stating: “I look forward to collaborating with Austin and the team to accelerate growth through thoughtful acquisitions and partnerships that strengthen our global platform.”

Expanding Willis Lease Finance’s Aviation Ecosystem

Willis Lease Finance operates as a leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, serving airlines, engine manufacturers, and maintenance providers worldwide. The company’s integrated business model combines leasing activities with end-of-life solutions through Willis Aeronautical Services, while offering comprehensive maintenance and ground services via Willis Engine Repair Center, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited. The addition of Hooke’s M&A expertise comes as the company also pursues sustainability initiatives through Willis Sustainable Fuels, which aims to develop projects supporting aviation decarbonization.

Hooke’s appointment represents a calculated move to capitalize on consolidation opportunities in the aviation sector, leveraging both his financial expertise and military-honed leadership capabilities to drive WLFC’s next phase of growth.