SMBC Aviation Capital announces appointment of Chief Financial Officer

Dublin, 29 November 2021: SMBC Aviation Capital, one of the world's leading aircraft leasing companies, today announces that Aisling Kenny will become its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in January 2022.

Aisling Kenny joined SMBC Aviation Capital in 2012 and has previously held positions in restructuring, as head of Funding and Corporate Tax and as head of the business’ global finance function. 

Aisling holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University College Dublin, as well as a Masters of Accounting from the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Aisling completed her training as a chartered accountant (ACA) with Ernst & Young and held a management position in the firm’s Banking and Leasing audit department before joining SMBC Aviation Capital.

Peter Barrett, Chief Executive, SMBC Aviation Capital said: “We are delighted to announce Aisling’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer. After an extensive internal and external search process, Aisling demonstrated impressive insights into the business and a clear strategic vision, which will be great additions to our senior management team as we continue to navigate short-term challenges in the sector and take advantage commercial opportunities as the industry recovers. I know Aisling will be an excellent leader in the business and I look forward to working closely with her when she takes up her role in January 2022.”

Aisling Kenny, Chief Executive, SMBC Aviation Capital said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Chief Financial Officer and look forward to working with Peter, Barry and the wider management team. SMBC Aviation Capital’s strong balance sheet and clear strategy, positions us strongly to deliver continued growth and profitability for our shareholders and help shape the evolution of the airline sector as it recovers from the pandemic.” 

The move follows the appointment in July 2021 of Barry Flannery to the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer. Barry previously held the role of Chief Financial Officer before Eithne Manning, who joined the company in 2005, and was previously Head of Funding, Tax and Global Finance, took over as the business’ interim Chief Financial Officer. 

Peter Barrett said: “I would like to thank Eithne for the excellent job she has done during her time as interim CFO. Eithne will continue in the interim role until the completion of our accounts for the period ending 31 December before handing over to Aisling in January. I look forward to her continued contribution to SMBC Aviation Capital’s growth and success over the coming years.” 

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact:

Conor Irwin, SMBC Aviation Capital, Mobile: +353 87 3816106

Richard Webster-Smith, Finsbury Glover Hering, Mobile: +44 7796 708 551
Theo Davies-Lewis, Finsbury Glover Hering, Mobile: +44 7920 084 746

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 a fleet, comprising over 730 owned, managed and committed 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. SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds the joint highest credit rating out of all aircraft leasing companies, reflecting the long-term strength of its business.

 For further information go to https://www.smbc.aero/