Willis Lease Finance Corporation Welcomes Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific
Rhea-AI Summary
Willis Lease Finance (NASDAQ: WLFC) appointed Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific effective March 4, 2026.
Gan will lead origination for WLFC’s owned portfolio and for funds managed by Willis Aviation Capital, drawing on prior senior roles at Vmo Aircraft Leasing, MUFG, DVB Bank SE and BOC Aviation.
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News Market Reaction – WLFC
In the Mar 4 session, WLFC gained 1.71%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12 | Operational capability launch | Positive | -3.4% | Introduced Willis Module Shop™ with successful CFM56-7B core module restoration. |
| Feb 10 | Earnings timing update | Neutral | -0.7% | Announced date and call time for Q4 and full-year 2025 results. |
| Feb 09 | Strategic partnership | Positive | +1.1% | Partnered with CFM International to extend operational life of CFM56 engines. |
| Feb 04 | Customer agreement | Positive | +3.0% | Signed ConstantThrust® purchase and leaseback with Nauru Airlines for seven engines. |
| Jan 22 | Leadership appointment | Positive | +4.3% | Appointed Head of Investor Relations & Capital Markets for Willis Aviation Capital. |
24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.
Recent business wins and strategic hires have generally seen price moves align with the positive tone, with only one notable divergence following an operational capability launch.
Over the last few months, WLFC has reported multiple growth-oriented developments. These include a new ConstantThrust® agreement with Nauru Airlines on Feb 4, 2026, a collaboration with CFM International on Feb 9, 2026, and launch of the Willis Module Shop™ on Feb 12, 2026. The company also strengthened Willis Aviation Capital by appointing an Investor Relations & Capital Markets head on Jan 22, 2026. Today’s Asia Pacific origination hire continues this theme of expanding capabilities and leadership.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., March 04, 2026 (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 Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific. In this role, Marilyn will lead origination efforts in Asia for WLFC’s owned portfolio as well as for funds managed by the Company’s recently announced asset manager, Willis Aviation Capital, leveraging her extensive experience in structuring debt and equity transactions and building strategic partnerships across the aviation industry.
Most recently, Marilyn served as Head of Asia Pacific at Vmo Aircraft Leasing, where she led regional strategy and origination efforts across the APAC market. Prior to that, she was Managing Director and Head of Origination Asia Pacific Aviation at MUFG and previously held multiple senior leadership roles at DVB Bank SE, including Managing Director and Regional Head Asia Pacific Aviation Finance. She began her aviation career as Senior Legal Counsel at BOC Aviation, where she was responsible for documentation of aircraft loan and lease transactions globally.
“Marilyn brings exceptional industry expertise, deep regional relationships and a proven track record in aviation finance and leasing,” said Craig Welsh, SVP & Chief Commercial Officer, of WLFC. “Her leadership across Asia Pacific and her comprehensive understanding of origination, risk, and transaction structuring will be instrumental as we continue to grow our platform.”
In addition to her executive leadership roles, Marilyn serves as a Board Member of the Advancing Women in Aviation Roundtable (AWAR) and has previously served on the Board of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT), reflecting her strong commitment to industry leadership and advancing diversity in aviation.
“I am excited to join WLFC at this pivotal stage,” said Marilyn Gan. “I look forward to working with the team to expand our presence, deepen customer partnerships, and deliver innovative solutions across the aviation sector.”
About Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Additionally, through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Willis Aviation Services Limited, and Jet Centre by Willis, 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.
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.
| CONTACT: | Lynn Mailliard Kohler |
| Director, Global Corporate Communications | |
| (415) 328-4798 | |
| lkohler@willislease.com |
