The aviation industry witnessed notable leadership and strategic personnel changes in 2024, highlighting new directions for Boeing, Wheels Up, EASA, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and many others. These changes signal strategic shifts and set the tone for innovation, restructuring, and continued efforts in safety and sustainability. Here’s a look at some of the year’s most impactful moves and what they mean for the industry.

One of the year’s most high-profile transitions was Boeing’s departure of CEO Dave Calhoun, whose time at the aerospace giant was marked with turmoil. Calhoun’s tenure involved the aftermath of the 737 Max crisis, the Boeing 737-9 door plug failure, supply chain disruptions, and pressures in both commercial and defense sectors. In addition, he navigated the company as it faced constant scrutiny from Congress, the NTSB, the FAA, and the public alike.

In August, Robert K. "Kelly" Ortberg, a seasoned leader formerly with Rockwell Collins, took over as president and CEO. Ortberg’s extensive background brought promises of renewed focus on innovation and operational integrity. Stephanie Pope moved from her role as COO to head Boeing Commercial Airplanes, highlighting Boeing’s emphasis on streamlined leadership and strategic growth. However, early into both their new roles, they too faced many of the same challenges, including a nearly two-month strike.

Wheels Up experienced a transformative year marked by leadership shifts to fortify its position amid financial challenges. Dave Holtz was promoted to COO in February, and in May, Dave Harvey joined as chief commercial officer. Harvey, formerly Southwest Airlines’ chief sales officer, is expected to help drive Wheels Up’s restructuring efforts. Additionally, chief financial officer Todd Smith and chief legal officer Laura Heltebran announced their departures in August. With these moves, Wheels Up sought to optimize its fleet management and enhance customer experience to better navigate the competitive private aviation market.

Meanwhile, AOPA welcomed a new president and CEO, Darren Pleasance, who will assume his role in January 2025. Pleasance, with more than 8,000 flight hours and a solid business background, brings fresh insight to AOPA, succeeding Mark Baker who is retiring after his decade-long leadership. Pleasance’s operational expertise and passion for general aviation are expected to drive AOPA’s focus on pilot advocacy, member support, and public outreach as the organization addresses evolving industry regulations. Supporting this renewed focus on safety, Mike Ginter, AOPA’s former v-p of airports and state advocacy, now leads the Air Safety Institute at AOPA.

In Europe, Florian Guillermet’s appointment as executive director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) represents a critical transition for Europe’s aviation safety landscape. Guillermet’s two decades of experience in air navigation and regulatory roles, including leading SESAR, position him well to guide EASA as it faces regulatory challenges brought by digital aviation advancements, drone integration, and sustainability initiatives. 

In the private and business aviation sectors, Solairus Aviation appointed Brent Monroe as chief growth officer and promoted Bob Marinace to chief experience officer. Daher appointed Didier Kayat as chairman of the board and CEO. Air Charter Service (ACS) appointed Elie Hanna as CEO of ACS Dubai, strengthening its presence in the Middle East. Additionally, the Citation Jet Pilots owner-pilot association selected retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and former F-16 instructor Rob Balzano as its new CEO.

Other notable executive appointments included Patrick Desbois and Brad Trenkle as co-COOs at Garmin and Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire, stepping in as chair of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) board. Embraer appointed Guilherme Paiva as director of investor relations and mergers and acquisitions.

The CEO transition at Airbus Americas saw Robin Hayes, former JetBlue Airways CEO, taking the role after C. Jeffrey Knittel’s retirement in June. Hayes, known for his leadership at JetBlue and executive roles at British Airways, brings extensive commercial experience, supporting Airbus’ continued development in the Americas. Eviation Aircraft appointed Andre Stein as CEO and Jeff Hurford as CFO.

Gulfstream Aerospace promoted Amy Ariano to senior v-p and chief people officer while hiring Smitha Hariharan as v-p and chief sustainability officer. Collins Aerospace’s appointment of Phill Godfrey as chief sustainability officer further represents dedication to greener aviation within the industry.

Meanwhile, Robinson Helicopter Company named David Smith president and CEO.

Stephanie Kenyon was named COO at Women in Aviation International, and Lynda Coffman was appointed as CEO.

West Star Aviation restructured its executive team, with Jim Rankin moving to executive chairman and Stephen Maiden taking over as CEO. Allen McReynolds continues as president and COO.