Willis Lease Finance, a lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, appointed Marilyn Gan as head of origination, Asia Pacific. In this role, Gan will lead origination efforts in Asia for Willis Lease’s owned portfolio as well as for funds managed by the company’s recently announced asset manager, Willis Aviation Capital, leveraging her extensive experience in structuring debt and equity transactions and building strategic partnerships across the aviation industry.
Most recently, Gan served as head of Asia Pacific at Vmo Aircraft Leasing, where she led regional strategy and origination efforts across the APAC market. Prior to that, she was managing director and head of origination, Asia Pacific aviation at MUFG and previously held multiple senior leadership roles at DVB Bank SE, including managing director and regional head, Asia Pacific aviation finance. She began her aviation career as senior legal counsel at BOC Aviation, where she was responsible for documentation of aircraft loan and lease transactions globally.
“Marilyn brings exceptional industry expertise, deep regional relationships and a proven track record in aviation finance and leasing,” Craig Welsh, senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Willis Lease, said. “Her leadership across Asia Pacific and her comprehensive understanding of origination, risk and transaction structuring will be instrumental as we continue to grow our platform.”
In addition to her executive leadership roles, Marilyn serves as a board member of the Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable (AWAR) and has previously served on the board of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), reflecting her strong commitment to industry leadership and advancing diversity in aviation.
“I am excited to join WLFC at this pivotal stage,” Gan said. “I look forward to working with the team to expand our presence, deepen customer partnerships and deliver innovative solutions across the aviation sector.”
