BOC Aviation has appointed Steven Townend as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer with effect from January 1, 2024. He will replace Robert Martin who will step down from the role on December 31, 2023, and will remain as a non-executive Director of the Board.
Furthermore, Wu Jianguang will be appointed Chief Financial Officer with effect from January 1, 2024, replacing Townend in the role of Chief Financial Officer which he will relinquish on December 31, 2023.
Townend has more than thirty years of leasing and banking experience in aviation. Prior to his appointment as Chief Financial Officer in October 2020, he had previously held Chief Commercial Officer roles with BOC Aviation in both London and Singapore for over 16 years.
“On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Robert Martin for his leadership through the key moments in the company’s history and for leading the company to unbroken profitability through both good times and more challenging times for the industry,“ said Chairman Liu Jin. “I congratulate Steven on his new role, he brings a deep knowledge of both the company and the industry. I am very pleased that our careful succession planning means that we have an excellent successor, who will drive the continued success of the company through its next phase of growth”.
“Robert has steered BOC Aviation for the last 25 of its 30-year history,” said Townend. “His influence on both BOC Aviation and the aircraft leasing industry has been profound and our best wishes are with him for the future. We have worked closely together for many years to develop this leading global aircraft leasing business and an excellent management team that will continue to build on the strong foundations that we have established.”
Wu has been in the role of Deputy Chief Financial Officer since November 2022. At that time, he transitioned from the Bank of China after a 30-year career, where he was most recently General Manager of the financial management department. Wu will oversee Accounting and Reporting, Financial Planning, Financial Control, Tax, Treasury and Settlement Departments.
