Willis Lease Finance Corporation Appoints Z. Clifton Dameron as Senior Vice President

Rhea-AI Summary

Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ: WLFC) has appointed Z. Clifton Dameron as Senior Vice President to strengthen its legal functions amid strategic expansion. Dameron, previously Chief Legal Officer at Carlyle Aviation Partners, brings extensive legal expertise in leasing operations and asset management. His background includes roles at Sciens Capital Management and law firms Bingham McCutchen LLP and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and a Juris Doctor from Tulane University School of Law.

Positive

• Strategic strengthening of legal team to support company expansion
• Addition of senior executive with specialized aviation leasing legal expertise

Negative

• Rapid growth creating strain on existing legal operations

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Nov. 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and provider of global aviation service operations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Z. Clifton (“Clif”) Dameron to the role of Senior Vice President to strengthen and help streamline the Company’s legal functions as WLFC continues to strategically expand its operations.

“We are thrilled to have Clif join our team,” said Austin C. Willis, WLFC’s Chief Executive Officer. “His legal expertise in both leasing operations and asset management will be invaluable as we deploy our strategy.”

“Our rapid growth has been demanding on our legal team and Clif’s capabilities will help us in effectively meeting the Company’s needs,” said Dean M. Poulakidas, Executive Vice President & General Counsel.

Clif most recently served as Chief Legal Officer at Carlyle Aviation Partners (formerly Apollo Aviation Group), having joined in 2015 as a Senior Vice President. Prior to joining Carlyle Aviation, from 2007 to 2015, Clif was with Sciens Capital Management LLC, a New York based alternative investment manager, where he was responsible for legal matters relating to Sciens’ private equity activities. Before Sciens, Clif was a corporate attorney with Bingham McCutchen LLP and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Clif has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Southern Methodist University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University School of Law. Clif is admitted to practice law in California and New York.

For more information on Willis Lease Finance Corporation, visit www.wlfc.global.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation 

Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center^®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CONTACT:	Lynn Mailliard Kohler
	Manager Corporate Communications
	lkohler@willislease.com
	415.328.4798

FAQ

Who is the new Senior Vice President at Willis Lease Finance (WLFC)?

Z. Clifton ('Clif') Dameron has been appointed as Senior Vice President at Willis Lease Finance (WLFC).

What was Clif Dameron's previous role before joining WLFC?

Prior to joining WLFC, Clif Dameron served as Chief Legal Officer at Carlyle Aviation Partners (formerly Apollo Aviation Group).

Why did Willis Lease Finance (WLFC) appoint a new Senior Vice President?

WLFC appointed Dameron to strengthen and streamline the company's legal functions as it continues to strategically expand its operations.

What is Clif Dameron's educational background?

Dameron holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Southern Methodist University (Phi Beta Kappa) and a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University School of Law.