STS announces key promotions and new defence division

STS Aviation Group (STS) has announced the promotions of Ethan Steele to Executive Vice President, Head of Commercial, and Shane King to President of STS Aviation Services, effective immediately. These appointments are integral to the company’s ongoing efforts to accelerate its global growth strategy and ensure leadership continuity at a pivotal time in its expansion.

Steele, who has been with STS for 25 years, will report directly to the CEO of STS Aviation Group, PJ Anson. In his new role, Steele will oversee all commercial operations, with a key focus on strengthening customer partnerships, expanding market presence, and driving strategic growth. Previously, Steele led STS Engineering Solutions, where he successfully transformed the division into a leading aerospace engineering provider.

Steele expressed his honour and excitement for the opportunity, stating that he looks forward to the challenges ahead: “We have an incredible team and world-class clients. My goal is to build even stronger relationships, drive innovation, and continue pushing STS Aviation Group to new heights.”

Shane King, now President of STS Aviation Services, will be responsible for overseeing the company’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) operations across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. His extensive experience and proven leadership have been instrumental in managing STS Aviation Services throughout the Americas, ensuring operational excellence and driving the business’s continued growth. King will report to Mark Smith, President of STS Aviation Group.

Additionally, STS Aviation Group has announced the formation of STS Defence Solutions, a new division dedicated to expanding the company’s global military aircraft MRO capabilities. To lead this new initiative, Brian Bento has been appointed Executive Vice President of Defence. Bento brings over 30 years of aerospace and defence experience, including expertise in full-spectrum Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations, platform integration, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

Bento’s career includes managing multi-million-dollar ISR programs and coordinating airborne operations across key global theatres such as AFRICOM, EUCOM, and SOCOM. As the new head of STS Defense Solutions, Bento will report directly to CEO PJ Anson.