WLFC | Trusted Global Experts in Aircraft Engine Leasing & Services

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, Charles 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. Austin 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, Brian 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. Scott’s financial background includes roles at Colt Defense, Bank 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, Dean 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.

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. Dan also manages our Dublin office in Ireland. Prior to joining WLFC, Dan worked for Rolls-Royce and Partners Finance from 2003.

Clifton "Clif" Dameron

Senior Vice President

Z. Clifton “Clif” Dameron joined WLFC in 2024. Prior to that Clif served as Chief Legal Officer at Carlyle Aviation Partners (formerly Apollo Aviation Group), having joined in 2015 as a Senior Vice President. Prior to joining Carlyle Aviation, from 2007 to 2015, Clif was with Sciens Capital Management LLC, a New York based alternative investment manager, where he was responsible for legal matters relating to Sciens’ private equity activities. Before Sciens, Clif was a corporate attorney with Bingham McCutchen LLP and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Clif has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Southern Methodist University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and a Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University School of Law. Clif is admitted to practice law in California and New York.

Garry Failler, SVP, Materials & Services & Chief Technical Officer

Garry A. Failler

SVP, Chief Technical Officer

Garry Failler joined WLFC in July 2017 and currently has responsibility for the company's worldwide technical group. He also has oversight of logistics, technical records and facilities. Previously, Garry was responsible for numerous Services business segments within WLFC, including starting some from the ground up. Prior to joining WLFC, Garry held executive positions in various organizations which included Chief Technical Officer at AerCap, Chief Operating Officer at AeroTurbine and Vice President at Air Canada. He has 40+ years of knowledge in the areas of Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), as well as significant airline operational knowledge including engine, component and aircraft heavy maintenance.

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, Lynn held senior HR positions at AeroTurbine, Inc., AerSale, Inc., and DHL Express. Lynn holds a BS and MS in Human Resource Management as well as an MBA.

Marc Pierpoint

SVP, Head of Trading & Investments

Marc Pierpoint joined Willis Lease Finance Corporation in 2016. Marc 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, Marc 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.

Amy Ruddock

SVP, Sustainable Aviation & Corporate Development

Amy Ruddock joined WLFC in September 2024 as SVP, Sustainable Aviation & Corporate Development. Most recently, Amy served as Vice President of EMEA at Carbon Engineering. Previously, as Vice President of Corporate Development and Sustainability at Virgin Atlantic, she was significantly involved in shaping the airline’s carbon strategy and its recapitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to Virgin Atlantic, Amy spent a decade at Boston Consulting Group. Amy holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry and Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.

Caroline M. Vandedrinck

SVP, Materials & Services

Caroline M. Vandedrinck joined WLFC in the role of SVP, Materials & Services in July 2024. With more than 30 years of aerospace and MRO industry experience, Caroline has played a pivotal role in driving market share growth in existing and new markets while ensuring top-notch service for airlines and lessors. Caroline has held key positions at SR Technics, Sikorsky, Barnes Aerospace, Alcoa’s Aerospace Forgings division, Pratt & Whitney, United Technologies, and Fairchild Aircraft.

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. Craig began his career in 1987 with Pratt & Whitney, where he held positions of increasing scope in engineering, operations, contracts and sales.