Airline Economics was thrilled to be invited to the BOC Aviation offices today when our visit coincided with the official announcement that Robert Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Singapore-based lessor BOC Aviation, would retire at the end of this year to be replaced by former Chief Financial Officer, Steven Townend, at the start of 2024.
Robert will be re-designated as a non-executive director at BOC Aviation with effect from 1 January 2024 and will remain a member of the Strategy and Budget Committee.
Robert has overseen “30 years of excellence” at the leasing company that began operation as Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise (SALE) with a merger between Singapore Airlines leasing unit and Bouillon on 25th November 1993.
Robert, aged 58, joined BOC Aviation as Deputy Managing Director in January 1998 and was appointed as a Director and the Managing Director in July 1998. He has more than 35 years of experience in the aircraft and leasing business, having previously worked at Bank of America, The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan and HSBC Investment Bank (Asia).
The Board has expressed its appreciation for Robert’s “invaluable contribution” in leading the company since 1998 and “looks forward to working with Mr. Martin in his capacity as a Non-executive Director”.
Steven Townend has been confirmed today as an Executive Director, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, a member of the Strategy and Budget Committee and an Authorised Representative with effect from 1 January 2024. Steven will step down from his role as Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer with effect from 31 December 2023.
Steven, aged 54, joined the company in January 2001 and was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer in July 2004. He was appointed to the additional role of Deputy Managing Director in 2006. He assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer in October 2020. Steven has more than 30 years of banking and leasing experience.
Robert shared his thoughts on the current market at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Singapore conference on Tuesday this week, followed by an interview with Airline Economics and KPMG today as part of their annual Aviation Global Leaders report. Incoming MD and CEO Steven Townend also shared his experience of recent market trends and some insights for the near-term future heading into 2024. The full interview will be published in the near future shared by KPMG Ireland and Airline Economics website for subscribers (sign up here)
Airline Economics congratulates Robert on a remarkable career leading BOC Aviation to continuing growth and success, and also congratulates Steven on his new role and wishes the very best of luck for another 30 successful years.