Waypoint Leasing makes six appointments

Waypoint Leasing makes six appointments

23-Sep-2013 Source: Waypoint Leasing

Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint”), a leading global helicopter leasing company, today announced the appointment of six individuals to its management team who bring key expertise to support Waypoint’s ongoing growth, including:

  • Robert Van de Vuurst, General Counsel;
  • Peter Dahm, Strategic Accounts Executive;
  • Dave Gorsky, Vice President of Operations and Technical;
  • Ken Dowling, Vice President of Financial Reporting and Business Planning;
  • Marc Schechter, Vice President of Risk and Analytics; and
  •  Todd Wolynski, Vice President of Legal and Associate General Counsel.

The additions of such highly experienced executives add to Waypoint’s already significant helicopter operations and leasing experience and will make a substantial impact as Waypoint seeks to grow the business and develop its platform through the execution of helicopter transactions, future financings and the addition of further employees, operations and infrastructure.  Mr. Van de Vuurst and Mr. Wolynski, who both bring a wealth of aviation experience both in legal and operational capacities, will work alongside each other to manage corporate, regulatory and transactional activities.

Ed Washecka, CEO of Waypoint, said, “We are building out the Waypoint team with some of the industry’s finest professionals across critical disciplines.  Having worked with Robert since 2002 after recruiting him to Era Group, where we jointly built a diversified helicopter operating and leasing company, I know that Robert is one of the best in the business and will make invaluable contributions as we continue to grow.  Over our ten years together at Era, Robert and I developed that business to include more than 45 helicopters on lease with 20 customers while managing a diverse operating business serving oil and gas, EMS, SAR and firefighting customers worldwide.  Additionally, Peter’s reputation in the marketplace is unparalleled, with over 30 years serving in various positions at some of the top helicopter trading and manufacturing companies in the world.  Additionally, Dave and Marc spent many years managing logistics and business development at Era Group, supporting leasing customers worldwide, Ken has deep leasing experience having worked for Genesis and AerCap in the fixed wing leasing sector and Todd’s aviation-focused legal background is perfectly suited to immediately add value to our team.  I am excited to welcome all of our new executives and look forward to Waypoint’s bright future ahead.”

Additional employment details and brief bios of Waypoint’s new executives are as follows:

  • Robert D. Van de Vuurst – Mr. Van de Vuurst currently practices with the law offices of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC in Johnson City, TN.  Robert’s appointment as General Counsel is effective immediately.  For over 25 years, he has been widely considered the helicopter industry’s “go-to lawyer” where he has overseen more than $1 billion in aircraft purchases and sales.  Previously, Mr. Van de Vuurst served as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of Era Group Inc., and President of Era Helicopters LLC, one of the largest helicopter operators in the world.
  • Peter Dahm – Mr. Dahm will join Waypoint to manage Strategic Customer relationships and bring his helicopter market expertise to the team beginning in October.  He currently serves as the Vice President of the Helicopter Market at AVINCO, one of the leading helicopter trading companies in the world.  Mr. Dahm has over 30 years of experience within the helicopter industry and has held a multitude of positions throughout his career.  Previously, he was the Vice President of Commercial and Parapublic Programs in the Customer Service organization with Eurocopter, where he was in charge of program management, contracts and commercial matters.
  • Dave Gorsky – Mr. Gorsky joined Waypoint in June of 2013 as the Vice President of Operations and Technical where he is responsible for Operations and Technical Management of the Company’s leased aircraft.  Mr. Gorsky possesses over 20 years of experience in the aviation and aerospace industry.  Prior to joining Waypoint, he led Global Procurement for Era Group Inc., where he fostered the development of internal processes to support global helicopter lease contracts for approximately 45 aircraft and managed the group’s global supply chain.  Mr. Gorsky also held Supply Chain, Program Management, Operations Management and Financial positions at Honeywell, Raytheon and United Technologies.
  • Ken Dowling – Mr. Dowling joined Waypoint in May 2013 as Vice President of Financial Reporting and Business Planning. Mr. Dowling has over 15 years of experience incorporating aviation, financial reporting and business planning.  Prior to joining Waypoint, he held senior finance positions at NYSE listed aircraft lessors Genesis Lease Limited and AerCap.
  • Marc Schechter – Mr. Schechter joined Waypoint in May of 2013 as the Vice President of Risk and Analytics where he is responsible for managing the Company’s credit and transactional analysis.  Prior to joining Waypoint, he was a Vice President at Era Helicopters, where he led new business development and managed joint ventures in Brazil and Australia.
  • Todd Wolynski – Mr. Wolynski will join Waypoint as Vice President of Legal and Associate General Counsel, effective October 15th.  Mr. Wolynski currently practices at White & Case LLP where he advised borrowers, lenders and export credit agencies in connection with helicopter and fixed-wing financings, asset-based structured financings and other cross-border corporate transactions.

About Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited

Waypoint is a global helicopter lessor providing aircraft and financing solutions to helicopter operators around the world. Headquartered in Limerick, Ireland, and with operations in Darien, CT, Waypoint partners with helicopter operators across a wide range of sectors, including oil and gas, emergency medical service, search and rescue, firefighting and governmental support.  Further information is available at http://www.waypointleasing.com/.

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