PK AirFinance, the aviation lending business managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, named Eelco van de Stadt president, effective January 2021. The appointment follows PK AirFinance president Per Waldelof’s decision to retire at the end of the year.

“Eelco is one of the most experienced aviation finance professionals, having spent the past 15 years in global and regional leadership positions in the sector, and we’re pleased to welcome him as president of PK AirFinance,” Gary Rothschild, partner and head of aviation at Apollo, said. “We also want to thank Per for his leadership and his contributions to PK over the last 25 years, including overseeing its successful integration into Apollo’s aviation business. We believe the business is well positioned for growth and long-term success in its continued evolution.”

“I am proud to have been a part of the PK AirFinance team since 1995. During this time, PK has extended its product offering across a wide variety of loan types and eligible assets to best serve the needs of airline and investor clients worldwide, across business cycles,” Waldelof said. “Following the successful combination with Apollo, it is a natural moment for me to now pass the baton to Eelco and wish the team continued success.”

“I am thrilled to join PK AirFinance as president, leading a global team in an exciting next chapter for the business,” van de Stadt said. “As part of Apollo’s broader aviation business and integrated investment platform, PK AirFinance is uniquely positioned to not only manage its significant loan book but also grow the business, with access to technical aircraft support, expanded sourcing and pools of quality-oriented, permanent capital. I look forward to working with my future colleagues to accelerate PK’s trajectory in the marketplace.”

As president, van de Stadt will be based in London. He joined PK AirFinance from MUFG, where he served as global head of origination aviation finance for nearly a year following MUFG’s acquisition of DVB Bank’s aviation finance client lending portfolio. Previously, van de Stadt was the global head of aviation for DVB Bank, where he spent approximately 18 years focusing on aviation lending and investment management and in roles of increasing responsibility. He started his career in finance nearly 28 years ago.