Lease Corporation International (LCI), the aviation division of the Libra Group, has appointed Chris Lloyd as vice president Marketing.He will be based at LCI’s Singapore office, with responsibility for the South East and North East Asian markets.

Lloyd, who joined LCI in early December, has 25 years’ experience in the international helicopter market, with a proven track record in aircraft sales and leasing, working with contacts across the globe and particularly in the Asia Pacific region.

He was previously managing director of Lloyd Aviation – a helicopter and fixed-wing sale and brokerage company, based in Singapore and offering consultancy and valuation services across the Asian and Oceania regions.

Crispin Maunder, executive chairman of Lease Corporation International, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to our team at our Singapore office. With his extensive experience, knowledge and network, we know he will be a great asset to LCI and his appointment marks the beginning of LCI’s expansion of its global marketing operations.”

Lloyd said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I am thrilled to be part of such a dynamic company. I am determined to put my knowledge and insight into action to support LCI’s growth in the region and across the globe.”

Lloyd is a qualified fixed wing and helicopter pilot. His appointment is latest in a series of measures taken by LCI to bolster its Asia operation, and follows last month’s appointment of John Gumulak as its technical director, based in Singapore. Gumulak joined LCI from Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WHRS) in Australia, where he oversaw the continued airworthiness of Westpac’s fleet of AW139 helicopters.

Asia is a key growth region for LCI and today accounts for around 25% of its global aircraft placements, with 18 helicopters in operation in markets including China, Australia, Malaysia and Thailand – with more than half of those being used for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations.

Earlier this year, LCI placed its first ever helicopters in China with the lease of three new Leonardo AW139 aircraft with Shanghai Kingwing Aviation Co. (Kingwing), each configured for EMS operations.