Plano-based aviation infrastructure platform Atlantic Aviation announced that Jeff Foland will succeed Lou Pepper as chief executive officer, effective Aug. 14.
“I’m delighted to join Atlantic Aviation at an exciting time in the company’s history,” Foland said in a statement. “The company is in a very strong position thanks to the foundation and growth that has been built under Lou’s leadership, and I deeply admire the organization’s dedication to providing customers with the highest levels of safety and quality service.”
“I look forward to joining the highly talented Atlantic Aviation team to further capitalize on the numerous opportunities that lie ahead and to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers, employees and communities in which we operate,” Foland added.
Atlantic has the second-largest network of fixed base operators in North America.
Pepper has been Atlantic Aviation’s CEO for more than 30 years. He will continue to focus on his role as a member of the company’s board of directors.
Experienced leader in aviation, travel, and transportation
Atlantic Aviation said that Foland brings nearly three decades of experience in the aviation, travel, and transportation industries to his new post. That includes serving as a senior executive at United Airlines and Hertz Global Holdings for many years.
Foland joins Atlantic Aviation from The Parking Spot, the largest near-airport parking operator and real-estate owner in the U.S., where he was president and CEO since 2018.
“Jeff is a highly accomplished and innovative leader with a strong track record of overseeing growth at industry-leading companies, and a deep commitment to providing an unmatched customer experience,” KKR Partner Dash Lane said in a statement. “These characteristics make Jeff a great fit to lead Atlantic Aviation as the company accelerates its investments in safety, industry-leading hospitality, technology and sustainability to deliver best-in-class service and long-term growth.”
‘Strongest position in its history’
Under Pepper’s leadership, Atlantic Aviation has grown from 16 FBOs into one of the leading networks of FBO operators in the world, with more than 100 locations in strategic markets.
“On behalf of the board and the entire Atlantic Aviation family, I would like to thank Lou for his exceptional leadership over the past 30 years,” Lane said. “As a result of Lou’s longstanding service, Atlantic Aviation is in the strongest position in its history, and I am confident that the company will continue to thrive under Jeff’s leadership. We are very pleased that Lou plans to continue to contribute his deep experience as a member of Atlantic’s board.”
Pepper said he is proud of what the company has accomplished.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the incredibly talented and passionate Atlantic Aviation team as we built the company into the industry leader it is today,” Pepper said.
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