Charles F. Willis, IV is the founder of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, a company he has been leading since its inception in 1985. He held the position of CEO until 2022, when he stepped down to become Executive Chairman. His...

Charles F. Willis, IV is the founder of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, a company he has been leading since its inception in 1985. He held the position of CEO until 2022, when he stepped down to become Executive Chairman. His deep experience in the aviation industry spans over 40 years, starting from his days at Alaska Airlines to running his own company before founding Willis Lease. Charles has seen the ups and downs of the market. One notable period was from mid-2020 to 2022, where the company’s stock reached as high as $171.24 million in value in late 2019 before fluctuating in response to industry changes and challenges. In terms of pay, Charles earned a total compensation of $6.2 million in 2022, a significant increase compared to the $1.5 million he made in 2021. His compensation package includes a hefty $1 million bonus, showcasing the company's financial performance during his leadership. Besides numbers, it’s worth mentioning his unique approach to leadership where he has been able to manage strategic transitions, as seen during the transition of power to his son, Austin Willis, who became CEO in April 2022. This familial leadership adds another layer of interest to his role. Overall, Willis is not just a practitioner of finance and aviation but also someone who has positioned himself thoughtfully at the intersection of business dynamism and family legacy in the aviation sector.