About WLFC

VISION

To be the premier partner in aviation propulsion, helping our customers connect the world through sustainable flight.

MISSION

To develop and implement creative, bold and tailored products and services solutions for our customers spanning the entire asset lifecycle by leveraging capital, assets, and our expert knowledge of aviation.

VALUES

In the ever-evolving world of aviation, our values are the compass that guides us. They define who we are, how we operate, and the experience we deliver to our customers. From ensuring the highest standards of safety and reliability to fostering innovation and sustainability, our values shape every decision we make.

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Our Senior Leadership Team

Building and managing customer relationships is as important as developing the products and services we provide to them. Leading WLFC is a seasoned team representing more than 250 years of combined industry experience. All come from a background of building enduring partnerships within the aviation industry, and who go beyond a zero-sum mindset when it comes to finding the right solutions for you.

Meet the WLFC Senior Leadership Team.

Charles F. Willis, IV, Executive Chairman

Charles F. Willis, IV

Founder and Executive Chairman
 

Mr. Willis has over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director since WLFC incorporated in 1985. In April 2022, Charles was appointed Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Austin WIllis Corporate Headshot

Austin C. Willis

Chief Executive Officer
 

Son of Charles Willis and a former Army Green Beret, Austin Willis has been involved with aviation as the CEO of JT-Power LLC (later sold to Willis Aeronautical Services), and the CEO of Aviation Management LLC, an aviation consulting firm. Austin was appointed CEO in April 2022.

Brian Hole, President

Brian R. Hole

President
 

Brian Hole joined WLFC in August 2014 and was promoted to President in April 2016. Formerly, Brian was the owner and president of Aviation Opportunity Management LLC, where he advised banks, private equity, and alternative investment funds regarding investment in large commercial aircraft engines.

Scott B. Flaherty, SVP & CFO

Scott B. Flaherty

Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer

Scott Flaherty joined WLFC in June 2016. Scott’s financial background includes roles at Colt Defense, Bank of America Securities, and Credit Suisse First Boston. He also worked as an engineer at the Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies Corporation.

Dean M. Poulakidas, SVP & General Counsel

Dean M. Poulakidas

Executive Vice President &
General Counsel

Dean Poulakidas joined WLFC in September 2011. Previously, Dean was Vice President and Corporate Counsel with International Lease Finance Corporation, where he managed an expansive portfolio of aviation transactions while working with airlines, OEMs, and aviation authorities in many jurisdictions around the world.

Dan J. Coulcher, SVP, Chief Commercial Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa

Dan J. Coulcher

SVP & Chief Commercial Officer,
Europe, Middle East & Africa

Dan Coulcher joined WLFC in 2011 as Managing Director of Willis Mitsui & Co Engine Support (WLFC’s joint venture with Mitsui & Co.), a position he still holds in addition to his role of SVP & Chief Commercial Officer EMEA. Dan also manages our Dublin office in Ireland. Prior to joining WLFC, Dan worked for Rolls-Royce and Partners Finance from 2003.

Our Senior Leadership Team

Building and managing customer relationships is as important as developing the products and services we provide to them. Leading WLFC is a seasoned team representing more than 250 years of combined industry experience. All come from a background of building enduring partnerships within the aviation industry, and who go beyond a zero-sum mindset when it comes to finding the right solutions for you.

Meet the WLFC Senior Leadership Team.

Charles F. Willis, IV, Executive Chairman

Charles F. Willis, IV

Founder and Executive Chairman
 

Mr. Willis has over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director since WLFC incorporated in 1985. In April 2022, Mr. Willis was appointed Executive Chairman of the board of directors.

Austin Willis

Austin C. Willis

Chief Executive Officer
 

Son of Charles Willis and a former Army Green Beret, Austin Willis has been involved with aviation as the CEO of JT-Power LLC (later sold to Willis Aeronautical Services), and the CEO of Aviation Management LLC, an aviation consulting firm. Mr. Willis was appointed CEO in April 2022.

Brian Hole

Brian R. Hole

President
 

Brian Hole joined WLFC in August 2014 and was promoted to President in April 2016. Formerly, Mr. Hole was the owner and president of Aviation Opportunity Management LLC, where he advised banks, private equity, and alternative investment funds regarding investment in large commercial aircraft engines.

Our Board of Directors

Much like our management team, the WLFC board of directors has an extensive aviation background to help keep our wings level and nose pointed in the right direction. Our board members include:
Charles Willis2

Charles F. Willis

Executive Chairman

Austin Willis

Austin C. Willis

Chief Executive Officer

Brendan Curran

Brendan Curran

Founder & CEO, BCAS LLC.

Colm Barrington

Colm Barrington

Former CEO and Director, Fly Leasing Limited

Stephen Jones

Stephen Jones

Former CEO, Flair Airlines