Robert Rasberry, who co-founded West Star Aviation with the acquisition of Premier Air Center in 2002, is retiring from the MRO provider but will remain chairman emeritus and serve as a senior advisor for West Star’s parent and investment firm Northwest Equity Partners, the company announced.

Rasberry joined Sam Haycraft, Jim Swehla, and Mike Durst in the acquisition of East Alton, Illinois-based Premier Air Center 17 years ago. They added a second location in 2005, rebranded the growing operation as West Star Aviation, and steered the company from an entity with 150 employees to one that now has more than 1,400 and spans four major MRO centers along with a half-dozen more satellite facilities.

"I find much comfort and pride in knowing that I leave West Star in extremely capable hands. Many leadership decisions have been made over the past several years to prepare for this day, including appointing Rodger Renaud as COO as president and hiring an industry veteran, Jim Rankin, as CEO,” Rasberry said. “Their commitment to our employee and customer-centric culture is unwavering and aligns with the same principles upon which West Star was founded."

No immediate plans were announced for a successor in Rasberry's role of chairman.