SMBC Aviation Capital announces appointment of new Chairman

Dublin, 23rd May 2023: SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world’s leading aircraft leasing companies, today announced the appointment of Noriyuki (Nori) Hiruta as the new Chairman of the Board.

Mr. Hiruta assumed the position of Chairman of SMBC Aviation Capital in May 2023, having previously served as General Manager of the Lease & Business Development Department at Sumitomo Corporation (SC) Tokyo. 

Mr. Hiruta succeeds Tom Tanaka, who has served as Chairman since 2020. Mr. Hiruta has held a number of roles in SC, including General Manager of the Aircraft & Engine Leasing Department and General Manager of the Aerospace Business Department SC Europe. He was also a key member of the acquisition team that managed the takeover of SMBC Aviation Capital from RBS in 2012 while working as Joint General Manager of the Aviation Capital Department at Sumitomo Mitsui Finance & Leasing Co., Ltd (SMFL). 

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital, said: “Nori has an impressive track record of delivering growth at Sumitomo Corporation and his counsel will be invaluable as we extend our leading position in the sector and deliver positive change for our customers, the industry and wider society. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Tom Tanaka for his guidance and support during his role as Chairman of SMBC Aviation Capital.  We wish Tom every success in his future role.”

Mr. Hiruta added: “After two decades of growth and transformation, SMBC Aviation Capital is entering the most exciting period in its history and it’s my great pleasure to take on the role of Chairman at this pivotal time. I have immense confidence in the company’s leadership team, strategy and potential and look forward to supporting the business in this next phase of its growth.”  

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For more information please contact:
Conor Irwin, SMBC Aviation Capital               +353 87 3816106
Dara O’Sullivan, SMBC Aviation Capital         +353 86 021 0135
Ellen Sherry, SMBC Aviation Capital               +353 86 782 5906
    
Richard Webster-Smith, FGS Global         +44 20 7251 3801
Theo Davies-Lewis, FGS Global               +44 20 7251 3801

 
Note to Editors
About SMBC Aviation Capital  

Based in the IFSC in Dublin Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is the second largest aircraft operating lease company globally by number of aircraft, with an owned, managed and committed fleet of just under 900 aircraft. The company focuses on the most technologically advanced, fuel efficient and narrowbody aircraft types, providing customers across the globe with the aircraft they need to successfully grow their businesses.  Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprised of two of Japan’s biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation.  For additional information, please visit SMBC Aviation Capital’s website at https://www.smbc.aero/