GATX, a lessor of railcars, aircraft spare engines and tank containers, elected John M. Holmes, president and CEO of AAR, a provider of aviation services to commercial and government customers, to its board of directors. Holmes will also serve as a member of the board’s audit committee. With the appointment of Holmes, the GATX board will now consist of 10 members, including nine independent directors.

“We are pleased to welcome John to GATX’s board of directors,” Robert C. Lyons, president and CEO of GATX, said. “John is an outstanding business leader with deep international experience and a strong track record of performance. His insights will be an asset to GATX as we continue executing our global growth strategy.”

“John is an excellent addition to our group of independent directors,” James B. Ream, chair of the board of directors at GATX, said. “With his extensive knowledge of the global aviation industry and operational and financial expertise, John will provide valuable perspectives to GATX.”

Holmes was named president of AAR in 2017, CEO in 2018 and chairman of AAR’s board of directors in 2023. Holmes joined AAR in 2001 as director of mergers and acquisitions and became general manager of AAR’s parts supply business in 2003, progressively assuming responsibility of other businesses. Prior to joining AAR, Holmes worked in investment banking and private equity.