Global Jet Capital, a provider of financing solutions for corporate aircraft, has announced the appointment of Christopher H. Paul as Senior Managing Director and General Counsel. Chris has extensive experience working in aircraft financing and M&A activities, and joins from CIT Aerospace, a global aerospace financing business which owned, financed and managed a fleet of more than 350 commercial aircraft valued at more than $11B, where he served as General Counsel.
At Global Jet Capital, Chris will be responsible for the leadership of the company’s worldwide legal organization with a mandate focused on accelerating growth through domestic and international markets. In more than 20 years practicing law, Chris has gained significant experience in commercial transactions, corporate governance, M&A and corporate finance.
Previously, Chris served as CIT Group's Chief Corporate Counsel, CIT Bank’s Corporate Secretary and CIT Group’s Chief M&A Counsel. In these roles, Chris was a key member of the team that changed CIT's business mix and restructured CIT's balance sheet following the company's emergence from bankruptcy. Prior to joining CIT, Chris was a partner with the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP in its New York office. Chris received his Bachelor's degree from Colgate University and his Law degree from The University of Connecticut School of Law. He is admitted to the bar in Connecticut and New York.
Chris Paul said:
“I’m excited to be joining this dynamic organization. In a very short time Global Jet Capital has positioned itself as a leader in business aviation financing solutions and I’m looking forward to playing an important role in the company’s future.”
Shawn Vick, Chief Executive Officer, Global Jet Capital said: “We are delighted to have Chris join the team, his demonstrated experience and acumen in the global market place will play an important role as we execute on our growth plans.”
Global Jet Capital 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.