4th April 2016, Boca Raton, FL
Global Jet Capital, a provider of financing solutions for large-cabin, long-range private jets, has announced that it has appointed Ed Barnes as Chief Financial Officer.
Barnes, who officially commences his role today (4th April), has more than 20 years’ experience as a senior-level finance executive. He was formerly CFO at Nasdaq-listed JetBlue Airways and has also served on the board of Jetscape, an aircraft leasing company. At JetBlue, Barnes led the company’s transition from a start up focused on top line growth to a maturing and complex $4.5 billion organization delivering sustainable growth, free cash flow and shareholder value. At Jetscape, he provided oversight for a company which currently owns and manages 49 aircraft leased to 24 airline operators in 15 countries.
Barnes has also held positions at Taylor Morrison, where he guided the company through a $550 million high-yield public debt offering to refinance sponsor loans, Cardinal Logistics, Greatwide and Cardinal. Other experience includes senior financial positions at Southwest Airlines, America West Airlines, Pegasus Solutions, JDA Software and eight years in public accounting.
Shawn Vick, Executive Director of Global Jet Capital, said: “We are very excited to be appointing a CFO of the caliber of Ed Barnes, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. This appointment is in line with our policy of hiring skilled professionals with a thorough understanding of the industry and we believe that he will be invaluable to our global growth plans.”
Barnes’ recruitment follows a number of high-profile appointments and is part of a strategic move by Global Jet Capital to add new talent in its key international markets. As well as expanding the team in the US, Global Jet Capital is in the process of adding origination professionals based in London, Hong Kong, Continental Europe and Dubai. A full list of job opportunities with Global Jet Capital can be found at http://www.globaljetcapital.com/careers/.
Global Jet Capital launched last year, and it is capitalized by three global investment firms – GSO Capital Partners, a Blackstone company in partnership with Franklin Square Capital Partners*; The Carlyle Group; and AE Industrial Partners. In January 2016 Global Jet Capital completed the purchase of GE’s corporate aircraft lease and loan book in the Americas.
The company’s current management team and executive committee is composed of leaders from business jet manufacturers, maintenance and service providers and leading financial institutions who have served the private aircraft industry for a combined 200-plus years and have completed over 3,500 aircraft transactions.
Notes to editors
*Investment to be made by funds sub-advised or advised by GSO Capital Partners and Franklin Square Capital Partners or their respective affiliates, as applicable.