Steven F. Udvar-Házy is the Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, a leader in global aircraft leasing. He has an impressive background, having co-founded ILFC, one of the largest aircraft leasing companies, back in 1973. With over 40 years in...

Steven F. Udvar-Házy is the Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation, a leader in global aircraft leasing. He has an impressive background, having co-founded ILFC, one of the largest aircraft leasing companies, back in 1973. With over 40 years in the aviation industry, his financial expertise is grounded in a business administration degree from UCLA. Udvar-Házy took on the leadership role at Air Lease shortly after its start in 2010, leading the company until mid-2016 when he became the Executive Chairman. Not only is he well-versed in the airline market, but he’s also an FAA Airline Transport Pilot, which ties his professional knowledge directly to practical experience. Udvar-Házy has navigated the ups and downs of the industry, with his personal holdings at one point valued at nearly $100 million in 2019 alone. His approach to stock compensation is straightforward, often preferring performance-based incentives that align his interests with those of shareholders. Outside of his corporate role, he has been involved in significant investments, reflecting a deep understanding of market dynamics and a tactical mindset toward growth and sustainability in aviation.