Willis Lease Finance Corporation Welcomes Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific
MWN-AI** Summary
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC), a prominent player in the leasing of commercial aircraft engines, has announced the appointment of Marilyn Gan as the new Head of Origination for the Asia Pacific region. This strategic role is vital for the company as it seeks to enhance its origination efforts for both its owned portfolio and the newly established funds under Willis Aviation Capital, WLFC's asset management arm.
Marilyn brings a wealth of experience to her position, previously serving as Head of Asia Pacific at Vmo Aircraft Leasing, where she directed regional strategy and origination. Her impressive background also includes key leadership positions at MUFG and DVB Bank SE, where she specialized in aviation finance. Marilyn's career in aviation began as Senior Legal Counsel at BOC Aviation, emphasizing her comprehensive understanding of aircraft loan and lease documentation.
Craig Welsh, WLFC's SVP & Chief Commercial Officer, praised Marilyn’s industry expertise and her strong regional relationships, highlighting that her skills will be critical for the company's growth. Marilyn herself expressed enthusiasm about joining WLFC at a pivotal moment and is eager to work with the team to enhance the company’s market presence and customer collaborations.
Aside from her operational experience, Marilyn is committed to promoting diversity in the aviation industry, serving on the Board of the Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable and previously on the Board of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT).
With her extensive background and strategic insight, Marilyn Gan is poised to significantly advance WLFC's objectives in the competitive Asia Pacific aviation market.
MWN-AI** Analysis
The recent appointment of Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination for Asia Pacific at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) is a strategic move that could influence the company’s operations and market position significantly. Marilyn’s extensive experience in aviation finance, particularly in structuring transactions and fostering regional partnerships, aligns well with WLFC’s objective to expand its footprint in the Asia Pacific market, a region known for its burgeoning aviation sector.
Investors should be optimistic about this strategic development. Marilyn’s proven track record from her previous roles—including at Vmo Aircraft Leasing and MUFG—indicates that she possesses the capability to enhance WLFC’s origination efforts. This is particularly crucial in an environment characterized by a recovery in global travel and increased demand for aviation financing solutions. Given her dedication to diversity and strong relationships within the industry, Marilyn is likely to attract new clients and opportunities that can translate into significant revenue growth for WLFC.
Moreover, as WLFC integrates its leasing activities with asset management services, the expertise Marilyn brings in transaction structuring could further optimize the company’s operations, leading to improved financial metrics. This synergy is particularly important as the aviation industry navigates post-pandemic recovery dynamics and fluctuating fuel prices.
However, investors should remain cautious and consider potential risks, including market volatility and economic uncertainties that could impact airline operations and aviation financing. Monitoring WLFC’s adaptive strategies in response to these challenges will be critical.
In summary, the appointment of Marilyn Gan presents a positive outlook for WLFC, particularly in harnessing growth prospects in the Asia Pacific. Investors may want to consider adding WLFC to their portfolios, keeping a close watch on her strategic initiatives as they unfold.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced the appointment of Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific. In this role, Marilyn will lead origination efforts in Asia for WLFC’s owned portfolio as well as for funds managed by the Company’s recently announced asset manager, Willis Aviation Capital, leveraging her extensive experience in structuring debt and equity transactions and building strategic partnerships across the aviation industry.
Most recently, Marilyn served as Head of Asia Pacific at Vmo Aircraft Leasing, where she led regional strategy and origination efforts across the APAC market. Prior to that, she was Managing Director and Head of Origination Asia Pacific Aviation at MUFG and previously held multiple senior leadership roles at DVB Bank SE, including Managing Director and Regional Head Asia Pacific Aviation Finance. She began her aviation career as Senior Legal Counsel at BOC Aviation, where she was responsible for documentation of aircraft loan and lease transactions globally.
“Marilyn brings exceptional industry expertise, deep regional relationships and a proven track record in aviation finance and leasing,” said Craig Welsh, SVP & Chief Commercial Officer, of WLFC. “Her leadership across Asia Pacific and her comprehensive understanding of origination, risk, and transaction structuring will be instrumental as we continue to grow our platform.”
In addition to her executive leadership roles, Marilyn serves as a Board Member of the Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable (AWAR) and has previously served on the Board of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), reflecting her strong commitment to industry leadership and advancing diversity in aviation.
“I am excited to join WLFC at this pivotal stage,” said Marilyn Gan. “I look forward to working with the team to expand our presence, deepen customer partnerships, and deliver innovative solutions across the aviation sector.”
About Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines 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, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Willis Aviation Services Limited, and Jet Centre by Willis, 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
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. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are subject to change in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, either expressly or implicitly, 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 natural disasters; 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, as well as the impact of new or increased tariffs; 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 and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
| CONTACT: | Lynn Mailliard Kohler |
| Director, Global Corporate Communications | |
| (415) 328-4798 | |
| lkohler@willislease.com |
FAQ**
How will the appointment of Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific impact Willis Lease Finance Corporation WLFC's strategy in the rapidly evolving aviation market?
What are the expected benefits of leveraging Marilyn Gan's extensive experience in structuring transactions for Willis Lease Finance Corporation WLFC's owned portfolio and its managed funds?
In what ways does Willis Lease Finance Corporation WLFC plan to utilize Marilyn Gan's regional relationships to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific aviation sector?
What specific challenges does Willis Lease Finance Corporation WLFC foresee in the aviation industry, and how does Marilyn Gan's expertise address these concerns?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC).
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