Willis Lease Finance announced Brian R. Hole, its current chief investment officer, will be promoted to president following the retirement of Donald A. Nunemaker effective March 31.

“Since joining Willis Lease in March 2014, Brian has taken on increasing responsibility for the development of the company’s long-term strategy and for producing near term financial results,” said Charles F. Willis, chairman and CEO. “He has consistently demonstrated the energy and ability to drive change and develop creative solutions that benefit our customers and the company, exactly the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that has driven Willis Lease from its beginning. In the end, Brian’s experience with our customers, portfolio and team members, along with his deep understanding of our industry, made him our No. 1 choice to succeed Don Nunemaker.”

Hole has served as chief investment officer since August 2014 and was responsible for executing Willis’ strategy for managing its existing $1.5 billion portfolio of owned and managed jet engines as well as its asset trading activities.

In his time with the company, Hole has spearheaded efforts to more actively manage and trade from within Willis Lease’s existing portfolio and has led efforts to increase asset diversification within the portfolio resulting in the acquisition of over $100 million of mid- to late-life commercial aircraft both for lease and trading.

“I am obviously honored to receive this promotion and thankful to Charlie and the board for placing their trust in me,” Hole said. “I’m equally anxious to get started and look forward to continuing to build our senior management team and accelerating efforts to enhance the exceptionally strong platform that Charlie and Don have spent a lifetime building together.”

Before joining Willis Lease, Hole was president of Aviation Opportunity Management. Before that, he served as counsel for Pratt & Whitney and IAE International Aero Engines. He began his career as an attorney at Bingham McCutchen.

Willis Lease Finance leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers in 120 countries.