Willis Lease Finance Corporation Welcomes Seasoned Leader David Hooke as SVP, Mergers & Acquisitions

COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Nov. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and a global provider of aviation services, today announced the appointment of David Hooke as Senior Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions, effective immediately.

David will lead the Company’s global mergers and acquisitions strategy, driving portfolio growth and supporting the expansion of WLFC’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,” said Charles F. Willis, Executive Chairman of WLFC. “His strategic insight, leadership, and investment banking experience make him an outstanding addition as we pursue continued growth.”

“I am honored to be joining the WLFC leadership team,” said David Hooke. “I look forward to collaborating with Austin and the team to accelerate growth through thoughtful acquisitions and partnerships that strengthen our global platform.”

David joins WLFC after more than a decade at Bank of America, where he served as Managing Director of Investment Banking, advising clients, including WLFC, on mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, and capital markets transactions.

Prior to his career in investment banking, David 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.

A decorated veteran and seasoned financial executive, David brings the discipline, precision, and strategic vision that will assist in driving WLFC’s continued growth.

About Willis Lease Finance Corporation

Willis Lease Finance Corporation leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services. Willis Sustainable Fuels intends to develop, build and operate projects to help decarbonize aviation.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions and are subject to change in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed, either expressly or implicitly, in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and natural disasters; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors, as well as the impact of new or increased tariffs; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.