WLFC Helping you reduce aviation costs, expense, and risk.

A Trailblazing Partner

Willis Lease Finance Corporation has been a pioneer and provider of aviation services for over 45 years. Launched by founder Charles Willis with the then new and radical idea to lease jet engines to commercial airlines, WLFC has since purchased, leased, and sold more engines in more countries over a longer period of time than any independent competitor.

An image of jet turbine fan blades. Willis was the first to lease engines to airlines and still pioneers aviation services.

Comprehensive Portfolio

We offer one of the broadest product lines in the industry, including engine types from all major manufacturers, lease terms to meet any operational need, engine pools and engine financing, sale leasebacks, forward purchases, finance leases and engine management. As a pioneer in establishing cooperative engine sharing pools, our North American CFM56-7B Engine Sharing Pool provides services for more than 600 aircraft and continues to be the market leader.

Three jet engines on stands. Willis has purchased, leased and sold more engines in more countries than any independent competitor.

Customized Services

What makes us unique is the customized solutions we offer our clients. While others may provide basic leasing and lending, we offer ways that enable customers to better budget and reduce costs, expenses, and reduce risk. Unlike many aircraft and engine lessors, we provide much more short-term leasing. This means regularly and closely interacting with the airlines, which really provides better opportunities to develop more collaborative and customized solutions for each one.

WLFC CEO, Austin Willis, and two team members review a jet engine inside a repair shop. Willis provides innovative and customized aviation services.

Our Senior Leadership Team

Building and managing customer relationships is as important as developing the products and services we provide to them. Leading WLFC is a seasoned team representing more than 250 years of combined industry experience. All come from a background of building enduring partnerships within the aviation industry, and who go beyond a zero-sum mindset when it comes to finding the right solutions for you.

Meet the WLFC Senior Leadership Team.

Charles F. Willis, IV

Founder and Executive Chairman

Mr. Willis has over 40 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and a director since WLFC incorporated in 1985. In April 2022, Mr. Willis was appointed Executive Chairman of the board of directors.

Austin C. Willis

Chief Executive Officer

Son of Charles Willis and a former Army Green Beret, Austin Willis has been involved with aviation as the CEO of JT-Power LLC (later sold to Willis Aeronautical Services), and the CEO of Aviation Management LLC, an aviation consulting firm. Mr. Willis was appointed CEO in April 2022.

Brian R. Hole

President

Brian Hole joined WLFC in August 2014 and was promoted to President in April 2016. Formerly, Mr. Hole was the owner and president of Aviation Opportunity Management LLC, where he advised banks, private equity, and alternative investment funds regarding investment in large commercial aircraft engines.

Scott B. Flaherty

Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer

Scott Flaherty joined WLFC in June 2016. Mr. Flaherty’s financial background includes roles at Colt Defense, Banc of America Securities, and Credit Suisse First Boston. He also worked as an engineer at the Pratt & Whitney division of United Technologies Corporation.

Dean M. Poulakidas

Executive Vice President &
General Counsel

Dean Poulakidas joined WLFC in September 2011. Previously, Mr. Poulakidas was Vice President and Corporate Counsel with International Lease Finance Corporation, where he managed an expansive portfolio of aviation transactions while working with airlines, OEMs, and aviation authorities in many jurisdictions around the world.

Garry A. Failler

SVP, Materials & Services &

Chief Technical Officer

Garry Failler joined WLFC in July 2017 and has responsibility for Willis Aeronautical Services, Willis Asset Management, the Willis Lease Technical group, WERC-US, WERC-UK, and Willis Aviation Services Limited. He has 40+ years of knowledge in the areas of engineering, as well as Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO), and airline operational knowledge, including engine, component, and aircraft heavy maintenance.

Craig W. Welsh

SVP, Chief Commercial Officer,
Americas & Asia

Craig W. Welsh joined WLFC in 2014 and is responsible for developing the company’s sales and growth plans in China, Asia Pacific, North America, and Latin America. Mr. Welsh began his career in 1987 with Pratt & Whitney, where he held positions of increasing scope in engineering, operations, contracts and sales.

Dan J. Coulcher

SVP & Chief Commercial Officer,

Europe, Middle East & Africa

Dan Coulcher joined WLFC in 2011 as Managing Director of Willis Mitsui & Co Engine Support (WLFC’s joint venture with Mitsui & Co.), a position he still holds in addition to his role of SVP & Chief Commercial Officer EMEA. Mr. Coulcher also manages our Dublin office in Ireland. Prior to joining WLFC, Mr. Coulcher worked for Rolls-Royce and Partners Finance from 2003.

Marc Pierpoint

SVP, Head of Trading & Investments

Marc Pierpoint joined Willis Lease Finance Corporation in 2016. Mr. Pierpoint started his career with Rolls-Royce PLC, where over a 28-year period, he served in roles of increasing responsibility spending time as a Design Engineer, Aircraft Performance Engineer and in Future Projects and Technical Marketing. During his time at Rolls-Royce, Mr. Pierpoint spent time at Rolls-Royce Capital as VP Structured Finance & Export Credit and at International Aero Engines where he was Treasurer and VP Leasing & Asset Management.

Lynn A. McMillan

VP & Head of Global Human Resources

Lynn McMillan joined WLFC in November 2018 and brings 20 years of experience leading strategic HR operations with 10+ years in Aviation Services. She is an intuitive leader with a history of success directing cross-functional teams and driving business solutions to excel at aligning core business, performance, and growth. Prior to joining WLFC, Ms. McMillan held senior HR positions at AeroTurbine, Inc., AerSale, Inc., and DHL Express. Ms. McMillan holds a BS and MS in Human Resource Management as well as an MBA.