After a multi-year succession planning process, West Star has named a new executive leadership structure. 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 CEO; and current COO Allen McReynolds will take on an expanded role as president and COO, responsible for all West Star operations.

Maiden joined the West Star team in November 2023 when it acquired Jet East, where he served as president and CEO. Maiden's career in aviation maintenance began when he served in the US Air Force as an electrical and environmental specialist on F-16s. He has since remained committed to the industry for nearly 30 years. Throughout his career, Maiden has served in a variety of roles with increasing responsibility, from 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 MRO. Maiden's tenured career in aviation maintenance, combined with his deep understanding of the MRO business and passion for creating relationships with employees and customers, are expected to drive West Star's continued innovation.

McReynolds was named COO in September 2023 and significantly expanded its maintenance operations. As part of the recent leadership restructure, McReynolds will assume increased responsibility and oversight of all business operations in his role of president and COO. He has spent more than two decades in and around maintenance covering business aviation, commercial airlines and defence. Prior to joining West Star, he served as a managing partner at SeaTec Consulting and has held distinguished leadership positions including vice president of global aftermarket sales for Textron Aviation and executive vice president of operations for Hawker Beechcraft.

Rankin comments: "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. They both 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."

Maiden adds: "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. By prioritising our team, we can truly be the differentiator in providing outstanding service and achieving operational excellence."

"I am humbled and honoured to have the opportunity of leading West Star across multiple business lines," says McReynolds. "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."