Waypoint Leasing (Ireland) Limited (“Waypoint” or the “Company”), the largest independent global helicopter leasing company, today announced changes to its executive team as part of its ongoing efforts to better serve customers and pursue new growth and other strategic opportunities. Hooman Yazhari, most recently CHC Helicopter’s General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer, has been named Chief Executive Officer effective February 5 2018, replacing Ed Washecka, who has left the Company.

Waypoint also announced that Alan Jenkins, currently Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has been promoted to President of Waypoint. Mr. Jenkins will also retain his existing duties as COO & CFO. In addition, Allan Rowe, currently Head of Commercial, has been promoted to Head of Sales & Relationship Management.

Waypoint’s ownership group said, “We are excited to have Hooman join the Waypoint team. Hooman brings a wealth of operational, financial, and managerial experience, having overseen dramatic transformations at some of the world’s leading aircraft operators and lessors. As we approach the fifth anniversary of Waypoint’s launch, we firmly believe that Hooman’s appointment as CEO—and the well-deserved promotions of Alan Jenkins and Allan Rowe—will position Waypoint for best-in-class customer service and strong, sustainable growth in the years to come. We continue to be energized by the Waypoint team, the business and its future prospects, and we remain fully supportive of the Company through this next important chapter of its development.”

Waypoint’s ownership group continued, “Ed was one of the founders of the Waypoint business and was instrumental in growing it through its start-up phase into the industry leader it has become.”

Mr. Yazhari said, “I am honored by the opportunity to lead Waypoint, a company renowned for its operational expertise and flexible financing solutions. Having worked closely with Waypoint for years as a customer, I have long admired its unique value proposition and the dedication and commitment of its employees. With recent market displacements, I see a range of opportunities for Waypoint to continue building its global platform, creating new and exciting opportunities for employees and customers across our network. I am confident that we can build on Waypoint’s success and continue to expand into new markets and deepen customer relationships going forward.”

Mr. Jenkins said, “On behalf of the management team, I would like to welcome Hooman to Waypoint and look forward to our Company benefitting from his experience growing and leading large and complex organizations. While the industry has faced recent headwinds, Waypoint continues to operate from a position of strength competitively and financially, with a best-in-class global platform and total assets in excess of $1.6 billion.”

Since its inception in 2013, Waypoint has been active in supporting oil and gas, utility, firefighting and other industrial-focused helicopter operators. Waypoint’s portfolio includes more than 160 aircraft for 32 customers in 32 countries with total assets in excess of $1.6 billion. Additionally, Waypoint has firm and option orders with aircraft manufacturers for more than 85 helicopters valued at more than $1.1 billion, to be delivered over the next four years.