Austin C. Willis is the CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corp, having stepped into this role in April 2022 after serving as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. His professional journey kicked off with founding J.T. Power LLC, where...
Austin C. Willis is the CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corp, having stepped into this role in April 2022 after serving as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. His professional journey kicked off with founding J.T. Power LLC, where he specialized in selling commercial aircraft engine parts and leasing. His expertise in finance comes from his education at the London School of Economics, which adds weight to his decision-making abilities in the aviation leasing sector. Notably, Austin also spent time in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret, showcasing his leadership skills under pressure. He has a strong connection to the company and its background, being the son of the founder and current Executive Chairman, Charles F. Willis IV. In his current role, Austin has implemented performance metrics that significantly increased his compensation in 2023 to over $6.6 million, reflecting both his contributions and the company’s growth. Austin owns about 12% of the company, indicating he has a personal stake in its success and aligns his interest with that of the shareholders. His rise through the ranks, coupled with hands-on experience, uniquely positions him to lead Willis Lease Finance into the future.