SMBC Aviation Capital announces appointment of new Chairman

Mr. Tanaka formerly served as Deputy Head of the Transportation Business Unit for SMBC Aviation Capital’s shareholder Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL) in Tokyo.

Mr. Tanaka will replace Mr. Shinichi Hayashida, who has served as Chairman since May 2012. Mr. Tanaka has previously held a series of senior roles within various parts of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), including Joint General Manager, in the Aviation Capital Department, in London and General Manager & Country Head in Sydney. Mr. Tanaka was part of the team in SMBC Europe Limited, which managed the Group’s acquisition of SMBC Aviation Capital in 2011.

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital said, “Tom brings deep industry and commercial insights and we look forward to his counsel and input particularly during this challenging time for the industry and for our next phase of development as we emerge from this period. His appointment highlights the ongoing, close and supportive relationship we have with our shareholders which is crucial at this time. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank and give our deep appreciation to our outgoing Chairman, Shinichi Hayashida for his valuable contribution during his tenure.”

Tom Tanaka, Chairman SMBC Aviation Capital added: “The industry is currently facing a number of challenges, however I look forward to working with a team of dedicated colleagues in SMBC Aviation Capital, both during this current period and following this, as we engage in the next phase of our development.”

SMBC Aviation Capital owns and manages a portfolio of 429 aircraft and benefits from a close relationship with its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. This relationship enables SMBC Aviation Capital to engage with the market and raise capital to support a robust capital structure and provide a strong platform for future growth.

-ends-

For more information please contact:

Conor Irwin, SMBC Aviation Capital, Mobile: +353 87 3816106; Orla Benson, SMBC Aviation Capital, Mobile: +353 86 047 4343

Note to Editors

About SMBC Aviation Capital

Based in the IFSC in Dublin Ireland, SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the world’s leading aircraft operating lease companies. In operation since 2001, SMBC Aviation Capital has an owned and managed fleet, comprising 239 owned and 190 managed aircraft, with commitments to purchase a further 300 aircraft. Established in 2001, the company was acquired in 2012 by a consortium comprising of two of Japan’s biggest companies SMFG and Sumitomo Corporation. For further information go to https://www.smbc.aero/

About Tomoyuki (Tom) Tanaka / 田中 智之

Tom Tanaka assumed the position of Chairman of SMBC Aviation Capital in April 2020. Prior to this, he held the position of Deputy Head of the Transportation Business Unit and Corporate officer of Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing (SMFL) in Tokyo.During his career between 1989 and 2019, he has held a variety of roles in Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) across many markets including General Manager, Asia & Pacific/Planning of the Global Advisory Department in Tokyo, General Manager & Country Head in Sydney and General Manager of the Aviation Capital Department in Tokyo.Tom was also a key member of the acquisition team who managed the takeover of SMBC Aviation Capital from RBS in 2012 while he worked as Joint General Manager of SMBC Europe Limited in London.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Tokyo and an MBA/MS from the University of Pittsburgh where he featured on the Dean`s List.