AE Industrial Partners (AE Industrial) a private equity firm with a focus on national security, aerospace and industrial services, has named former Kellstrom CEO Oscar Torres as its newest Operating Partner. The move brings an experienced industry executive back into the AE Industrial fold, following Torres’ longstanding leadership at Kellstrom Aerospace, a global aerospace aftermarket distributor and service provider that was formerly part of AE Industrial’s portfolio. Kellstrom was acquired by VSE Corporation in December 2024.
Torres brings with him over two decades of aerospace industry expertise. He spent more than 20 years as Chief Financial Officer at Kellstrom before taking on the role of President and CEO, which he held for three years. During his leadership, he played a key role in steering the company through three strategic acquisitions and helped establish it as a market leader in the commercial aerospace engine aftermarket. Under his stewardship, Kellstrom developed one of the sector’s most comprehensive inventories, built strong technical capabilities, and earned a reputation for exceptional service delivery.
David Rowe, co-CEO and Managing Partner at AE Industrial, praised Torres’ proven track record: “During his more than two-decade career at Kellstrom, Oscar was an outstanding leader, consistently driving initiatives that enhanced the company’s operational excellence and contributed to its sustained growth.” Rowe expressed confidence that Torres will now bring that same strategic insight to AE Industrial’s portfolio companies, helping them to identify new opportunities and create long-term value.
Torres himself highlighted the strength of AE Industrial’s platform and its growth potential: “Having worked closely with the team at AE Industrial, it is a great privilege to join the firm as an Operating Partner and put my experience to work for other growing businesses.” He expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with both the firm and its portfolio companies to take advantage of favourable market dynamics within the aerospace and defence industries.
Torres holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida International University and earned his MBA from the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School.
