Jim Rankin, who has served as CEO since 2018, has been named executive chairman of the board, Stephen Maiden has been appointed his successor as the West Star’s CEO, and Allen McReynolds, who currently serves as chief operating officer, will also take on the role of president.

“Stephen and Allen bring a unique set of skills and experiences to their leadership roles. I’m excited to support them as they build on West Star’s long-standing guiding principle of taking care of customers and employees,” said Rankin. “Stephen and Allen have a rich understanding of where the company is headed, and I look forward to achieving new milestones with them as they assume these leadership roles.”

Stephen Maiden joined the West Star team in November of 2023 when Jet East, where he served as president and CEO, was acquired by West Star Aviation. Maiden’s career in aviation maintenance began when he served in the US Air Force as an Electrical and Environmental Specialist on F-16s. Throughout his career, Maiden has served in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility from an avionics technician to team lead and manager, to director of Quality and Operations. He spent the last 18 years serving as a CEO in the area of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

Maiden said: “I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to lead this remarkable team and express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work and dedication that has contributed to the legacy of West Star Aviation. The history of 77 years is truly special. Our people, who are the heart of our organisation, will remain our top priority as we strive to deliver exceptional experiences to our valued customers.” 

McReynolds was announced as West Star’s chief operating officer in September of 2023. As part of the recent leadership restructure, McReynolds will assume increased responsibility and oversight of all business operations in his new role of president and chief operating officer. He has spent more than two decades in and around maintenance covering business aviation, commercial airlines and defence. Prior to joining West Star, McReynolds served as a managing partner at SeaTec Consulting and has held leadership positions at firms including Textron Aviation and Hawker Beechcraft. 

“I am humbled and honoured to have the opportunity of leading West Star across multiple business lines,” McReynolds said. “The opportunity represents a professional and personal privilege to collaborate with a team of experts. I am excited about what the future holds for West Star.”

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For $131m.

It is a good deal for its owner Gama Aviation and its London Stock Exchange investors. After paying off debt, it will bank $100m. Shareholders will get some of this as a dividend.

“After interest from several parties, we are delighted to have agreed the sale of Jet East to West Star Aviation. I believe the new owner will be an excellent guardian of our valued strategic relationships and, importantly, the people that deliver critical services to our customers every day,” said Marwan Khalek, CEO of Gama Aviation.

Gama Aviation bought Jet East in January 2021. It paid $8.7m in cash and took on $3.2m of debt. It invested in the company. Jet East had sales of $118.2m in 2022 and earnings of $1.3m. Its sales in the first six months of 2023 were up 27%. In 2019 it had sales of $29.5m.

The Sterling Group, the private equity owner of West Star, approached Jet East last year. “This combination represents a truly unique opportunity to bring together two completely complementary businesses in terms of capabilities and geographic footprint,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation. “Most importantly, the cultures of both organizations proudly prioritize customer service and a commitment to our people.”  

Latham & Watkins was West Star’s legal adviser with Jefferies financial adviser.

“Joining forces with West Star provides so much optimism for everyone involved. As a combined entity, we will be able to provide unparalleled service and support to our collective customer-base with greater depth in providing maintenance solutions,” said Stephen Maiden, CEO of Jet East. “The combination enhances opportunities for our talented workforce as our capabilities increase in size and scope. I am incredibly proud of our team, and the opportunity to partner with West Star is truly amazing,”

Jet East had hoped to tell staff earlier but minor delays meant it had to make the sudden announcement.  

“I would like to thank the entire Jet East team for their considerable efforts and achievements under the leadership of Stephen Maiden,” said Khalek. “We wish them continued success as they embark on their own new chapter.”

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Krell has 5+ years of aviation marketing and communications experience, previously holding various marketing positions with Jet Aviation. Prior to that, Krell held positions at CBS Radio as an Account Executive and Lindenwood University as Campus Director. Additionally, she holds both a BA and MBA in Business Administration from Lindenwood University.

“I am extremely excited to be joining this amazing team as it grows and expands its MRO services that are so focused on exceeding customer expectations on every project,” said Krell. “Great things are happening at West Star Aviation across all locations and I look forward to telling our story.”

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Tommi to the West Star Aviation team. With a renewed company‐wide initiative to improve and expand internal and employee communications, she will no doubt be an asset to West Star Aviation,” said Jim Rankin, CEO, West Star Aviation.

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Flite Components specialises in aerostructure and composite repair in addition to the overhaul and repair of thrust reversers, control surfaces, engine cowls, engine inlets, pylon and floor panels, as well as radome repair and testing.

“We see great synergies between Flite and Dallas Aeronautical Services. I look forward to this partnership and growing the entire one-stop maintenance theme throughout our companies,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation.

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Katie joined West Star in 2014 as the Director of Human Resources. She brings 13 years of experience in the aviation industry to her position. She worked with several aviation companies such as Sabreliner and Jet Aviation, and most recently before joining West Star, Katie worked with a private company who connected job seekers with employers.

“Katie has led our HR team through substantial growth and is responsible for recruiting top talent and experienced individuals to join West Star’s roster of world-class technicians, sales managers, and West Star personnel,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation. “Katie has increased visibility of our career opportunities, and will continue to focus on the need of current and future employees,” Rankin continued.

“My passion is supporting our employees, and increasing the visibility of career opportunities at West Star,” said Katie Johnson, Vice President of Human Resources. My team and I look forward to increasing employee communications, engagement, recognition and training at all of West Star’s locations,” continued Johnson.

In addition to its facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; and Perryville, MO, West Star Aviation runs maintenance operations at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport in Aspen, CO; Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, IL; Centennial Airport in Denver, CO, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, TX, and Scottsdale Airport in Scottsdale,

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Howard has served in a senior financial leadership position for over 31 years, including that of CFO and Director of Finance for various companies including Adidas Taylor Made subsidiary, Nike and Specialized Bicycle. He received his undergraduate degree from Utah State University and earned an MBA from the University of Oregon.

“We are very excited to have Howard join our team. He has the experience and leadership skills we need to continue growing West Star while maintaining our industry-leading commitment to customer service,” said Jim Rankin, CEO of West Star Aviation.

“I look forward to putting my experience to use with a leader like West Star Aviation, and will use the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the company. The culture and market position of this company are particularly exciting and I am proud to be a part of this team,” said Howard Allred, CFO of West Star Aviation.

Howard will be located at West Star’s East Alton facility and will be responsible for the financial welfare of the company.

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