Era Group Inc. (NYSE: ERA) announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Christopher S. Bradshaw as Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Mr. Bradshaw has been serving as Acting CEO since August 2014 and has served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer since October 2012.

Charles Fabrikant, Chairman of the Board, stated, “On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that after a deliberative process, the Board has unanimously chosen Chris Bradshaw as Era’s CEO. Chris brings to the position a deep understanding of the industry and financial, investment and operational experience. In only a few months as Acting CEO, he has made impressive strides in strengthening Era’s operations. Chris also has an appreciation of the ‘big picture.’ The Board looks forward to working with Chris as he leads Era into the next phase of its development.”

Chris Bradshaw said, “I am honored to be named Era’s CEO. I am grateful for the individual and collective contributions of everyone at the company. I am also very appreciative of the Board’s support, and I will continue working closely with it to shape and execute the company’s strategic priorities. We remain focused first on improving operational efficiencies and, looking into the future, are also committed to expanding our geographic footprint. We have a very skilled and driven management team at Era, and together we will continue working to enhance Era’s reputation as an industry leader.”

The company has initiated a search for a replacement CFO, and Mr. Bradshaw will continue to serve as CFO until a successor is identified.

About Era Group

Era Group is one of the largest helicopter operators in the world and the longest serving helicopter transport operator in the U.S. In addition to servicing its U.S. customers, Era Group also provides helicopters and related services to third-party helicopter operators and customers in other countries, including Brazil, India, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Era Group’s helicopters are primarily used to transport personnel to, from and between offshore installations, drilling rigs and platforms.