Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the air cargo handler and ground handling and technical services provider, has appointed industry veteran Craig Smyth as CEO. Smyth, former CEO of Menzies Aviation, will take over as WFS CEO starting August 29, 2016.
Bastian Lueken, head of the European investment team at Platinum Equity, which acquired WFS last year, said: “Craig has the right combination of leadership skills and industry expertise to build on WFS's success and deliver on our long-term goals for the company. He is one of the most experienced and respected executives in the aviation services industry and has proven himself over a distinguished 20 year career."
Smyth said he's eager to get started and to contribute to the company's momentum. "I'm thrilled about the opportunity to join WFS, an ambitious and fast growing company with a sterling reputation for customer service," he said. "I look forward to engaging right away and working with our customers, employees and partners to help move the business forward and maximize its potential."
He said he's especially excited to relocate to Paris where he will be stationed at WFS's Charles de Gaulle offices in Roissy.
Smyth joins WFS following more than 20 years at John Menzies plc, where he most recently served as CEO of Menzies Aviation since 2004. Prior to that, he also served as the company's chief financial officer. He first joined Menzies in 1993.