Avolon, a leading global aviation finance company, announces the appointment of Linda Hickey as an independent non-executive Director to its Board, and Chair of the Audit and Remuneration Committees. She is replacing Denis Nayden who is retiring from Avolon’s Board.

Linda is an experienced non-executive director and currently the Senior Independent Director at Greencore Group plc and Cairn Homes plc. She is also an external member of the Irish Strategic Investment Fund’s investment committee, the Irish Government’s sovereign investment fund. She has recently retired as Senior Independent Director at Kingspan Group plc and was formerly Head of Corporate Broking at Goodbody Stockbrokers. Linda has 30 years’ experience working with global investors and has a strong track record as an international capital markets and corporate governance expert.

Denis has been Vice Chairman of Avolon since April 2016. He was also Avolon’s Chairman from its foundation in May 2010 until January 2016 and has played an important role supporting Avolon’s growth over the past 15 years. He was a founding investor in the company and Chairman through major milestones including Avolon’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014, and subsequent privatisation in 2015. He will continue to play a role as a strategic advisor to Avolon’s Board and Chief Executive.

Zhang Can, Avolon Chairman, commented: “Linda brings a wealth of capital markets, corporate governance, and board experience to Avolon and we are delighted she is joining as an independent Director. I also want to recognise Denis’s significant contribution to Avolon during his tenure, which has been invaluable. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment.” 

Andy Cronin, Avolon CEO, commented: “Linda is a hugely experienced company director with a wide range of capital markets and corporate governance expertise, and we welcome her to Avolon. We look forward to working with her as we continue to deliver on our ambitious growth objectives. Denis has been a central figure on the Avolon journey since we launched the business in 2010, and instrumental in some of the most important decisions during our 15-year growth journey. We are delighted he will continue as strategic advisor to the Board, providing his invaluable insight and support.”