DUBLIN – 8 May 2025 – Avolon, the global aviation finance leader, has announced the appointment of Linda Hickey as an independent non-executive director to its board and chair of both the Audit and Remuneration Committees. Hickey steps into the role as Denis Nayden retires from the board after 15 years of distinguished service.
Hickey brings extensive experience in capital markets and corporate governance to the Dublin-based lessor. She currently serves as Senior Independent Director at Greencore Group plc and Cairn Homes plc and sits as an external member of the Irish Strategic Investment Fund’s investment committee. Her career includes a tenure as Senior Independent Director at Kingspan Group plc and leadership as Head of Corporate Broking at Goodbody Stockbrokers. With three decades of experience engaging global investors, Hickey is recognised for her track record in international capital markets and governance expertise.
Avolon Chairman Zhang Can welcomed the appointment, saying: “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.”
Nayden, who served as Avolon’s Vice Chairman since 2016 and previously as Chairman from the company’s foundation in 2010 until 2016, has been a key figure in Avolon’s rise. A founding investor, he steered the company through major milestones, including its 2014 New York Stock Exchange listing and subsequent privatisation in 2015. He will continue to serve as a strategic advisor to the board and CEO Andy Cronin.
“Linda is a hugely experienced company director with a wide range of capital markets and corporate governance expertise, and we welcome her to Avolon,” said Cronin. “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.”
Avolon, which partners with 141 airlines across 60 countries, manages an owned and committed fleet totalling 1,096 aircraft as of March 2025.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: AVOLON AERO
