Lease Corporation International (LCI) has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Esteban Tripodi as Executive Vice President, Americas.

Mr Tripodi, who joins LCI this week, will be based in the company’s New York office. Working across the marketing and capital markets divisions for both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, his primary focus will be on the Americas region.

Prior to joining LCI, Tripodi was a Senior Vice President with Aircastle Advisor where he was responsible for the capital markets function, and subsequently marketing and origination. Whilst with the company, he oversaw a wide range of structured financing initiatives, transactions, investments and securitizations.

Mike Platt, LCI’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “Esteban has built a well-earned reputation in the industry as a highly effective and experienced aircraft leasing professional; he will be a great asset to LCI and our clients.”

Tripodi started his career in aircraft finance at Pegasus Aviation as Structured Finance Director, and subsequently became Vice President (Asset Backed Securities) at Guggenheim Capital Markets where he originated and structured the company’s first aircraft ABS repack security. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School and an industrial engineering degree from the Instituto Tecnologico de Buenos Aires.

Esteban Tripodi says: “LCI’s proven track record and dynamic approach make it a compelling company to be a part of. With its recent move into the helicopter sector, this is an exciting time to be joining this innovative lessor.”

At the same time, LCI also announces the promotion of Nigel Leishman to Executive Vice President, Asia Pacific. Leishman’s role has been expanded to cover both the fixed wing and helicopter leasing sectors. He joined LCI as a Vice President in 2008 at the opening of its Singapore operation, and has led it ever since with responsibility for LCI’s business development throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Note to editorsDublin-based LCI ( www.lciaviation.com ) is owned by Libra Group ( www.libra.com ), a global conglomerate with companies operating from 20 offices across four continents. Libra Group’s subsidiaries are primarily focused on aviation, shipping, hospitality, renewable energy and real estate.

In February, LCI signed an agreement covering the purchase of a fleet of AgustaWestland AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters for a new division being set up by the lessor in a contract worth in excess of US$400 million including options. In 2009, LCI became a launch customer for the CSeries, with an initial order of 20 aircraft valued at approximately US$1.4 billion and options for a further 20.

Since its inception in 2004, LCI has acquired aircraft with a value approaching US$5 billion and currently has one of the youngest portfolios on lease to many of the world’s leading airlines.