Independent global helicopter leasing company Waypoint Leasing named Hooman Yazhari was named CEO effective February 5 2018, replacing Ed Washecka, who has left the company. Yazhari most recently served as CHC Helicopter’s general counsel and chief administrative officer,

Waypoint also promoted Alan Jenkins, currently chief operating officer and chief financial officer, has been promoted to president of Waypoint. Jenkins will also retain his existing duties as COO and CFO. In addition, Allan Rowe, currently head of Commercial, was promoted to head of Sales & Relationship Management.

Waypoint’s ownership group said, “We are excited to have Hooman join the Waypoint team. Hooman brings a wealth of operational, financial and managerial experience, having overseen dramatic transformations at some of the world’s leading aircraft operators and lessors. As we approach the fifth anniversary of Waypoint’s launch, we firmly believe that Hooman’s appointment as CEO — and the well-deserved promotions of Alan Jenkins and Allan Rowe — will position Waypoint for best-in-class customer service and strong, sustainable growth in the years to come. We continue to be energized by the Waypoint team, the business and its future prospects, and we remain fully supportive of the company through this next important chapter of its development.

“Ed was one of the founders of the Waypoint business and was instrumental in growing it through its start-up phase into the industry leader it has become.”

Yazhari brings more than a decade of experience as an executive in aviation, having most recently served as general counsel and chief administrative officer with responsibilities for Fleet at CHC Helicopter. At CHC, Yazhari was a key leader in developing and executing holistic transformation strategies to successfully guide the company through its balance sheet restructuring and reorganization, while also acting as a key leader in the renewal of its fleet and operations.

Prior to CHC, Yazhari served as senior vice president and general counsel of International Lease Finance (ILFC) from 2012 to 2014. Prior to that, he served in various leadership roles for Gategroup, a global aviation product and service provider.

Yazhari said, “I am honored by the opportunity to lead Waypoint, a company renowned for its operational expertise and flexible financing solutions. Having worked closely with Waypoint for years as a customer, I have long admired its unique value proposition and the dedication and commitment of its employees. With recent market displacements, I see a range of opportunities for Waypoint to continue building its global platform, creating new and exciting opportunities for employees and customers across our network. I am confident that we can build on Waypoint’s success and continue to expand into new markets and deepen customer relationships going forward.”

Jenkins said, “On behalf of the management team, I would like to welcome Hooman to Waypoint and look forward to our company benefitting from his experience growing and leading large and complex organizations. While the industry has faced recent headwinds, Waypoint continues to operate from a position of strength competitively and financially, with a best-in-class global platform and total assets in excess of $1.6 billion.”