Willis Lease Finance, a lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, appointed David Hooke as senior vice president, mergers and acquisitions, effective immediately.
Hooke will lead the company’s global mergers and acquisitions strategy, driving portfolio growth and supporting the expansion of Willis Lease’s aviation leasing, trading and services platform.
“Having worked with David for many years, I trust his integrity and admire his relentless pursuit of excellence and opportunities in the aerospace and defense industries,” Charles F. Willis, executive chairman of Willis Lease Finance, said. “His strategic insight, leadership and investment banking experience make him an outstanding addition as we pursue continued growth.”
Hooke said, “I am honored to be joining the WLFC leadership team. I look forward to collaborating with Austin and the team to accelerate growth through thoughtful acquisitions and partnerships that strengthen our global platform.”
Hooke joins Willis Lease after more than a decade at Bank of America, where he served as managing director of investment banking, advising clients, including Willis Lease, on mergers and acquisitions, public offerings and capital markets transactions.
Prior to his career in investment banking, Hooke served in the United States Marine Corps as a KC-130J Aircraft Commander, retiring after 17-years of distinguished service. During his military career he held a variety of leadership roles, including flying combat missions in Afghanistan and other undisclosed locations, and serving as a company commander of a Marine Corps recruit training company, where he led over 500 marines and officers.
