Private equity firm, AE Industrial Partners (AEI), has appointed longtime GE and aerospace industry leaders Gary Mercer and Shane Wright as special advisors to the firm, effective immediately.
"We are excited for Gary and Shane to join the outstanding group of experienced industry professionals who serve as special advisors for AEI as we look to leverage their deep experience and proven leadership in our targeted sectors," said David Rowe, managing partner of AEI. "Gary's long track record of aerospace engineering excellence and Shane's expertise in financial guidance and leadership will be great assets as we continue to drive innovation and build value across our growing portfolio."
Mercer's decades of aerospace engineering and technology experience includes 36 years of service at various GE entities. He most recently served as vice president and general manager of engineering at GE Aviation. Mercer was also previously the vice president and chief engineer of GE Aviation's Engineering division. Prior to joining GE Aviation, he worked at GE Energy and held various engineering and technology positions at GE and GE Oil & Gas over his career.
Wright is also a seasoned aerospace finance executive with 35 years of experience at GE, most recently serving as senior vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) for GE Aviation. In that role, from which he retired in December 2022, he oversaw all aspects of financial strategy for GE Aviation's aerospace business. Wright previously was the CFO for GE Healthcare International, GE Transportation, and Property & Casualty for Insurance Solutions. Earlier he held global finance leadership roles for GE's Transportation, Energy and Oil & Gas businesses.
"AEI has proven to be an extremely effective partner for its companies in the aerospace engineering and technology space sectors that I have been passionate about for decades," said Mercer. "I'm excited to work with AEI's team and their companies to continue promoting excellence, supporting innovation and creating value."
"AEI's companies are on the cutting-edge of their target markets, and with the strategic support of the AEI team, are implementing improvements that position them for future success," said Wright. "I look forward to offering my counsel as they assess the opportunities in today's rapidly evolving and complex financial environment.