West Star Aviation has revealed a revamped executive leadership structure that will see Jim Rankin step down from his CEO post and serve as executive chairman. The company appointed Stephen Maiden as Rankin’s replacement as CEO, while current COO Allen McReynolds assumes an expanded role as president and COO, responsible for all West Star operations.
Maiden joined West Star in November when West Star acquired Gama Aviation subsidiary Jet East, where he had served as president and CEO. Maiden’s career in aviation maintenance began when he served in the U.S. Air Force as an electrical and environmental specialist on F-16s. He has served a variety of roles with increasing responsibility, starting as an avionics technician and later as team lead and manager, moving up to director of quality and of operations. He spent the last 18 years serving as CEO at various MRO companies.
McReynolds accepted a position as West Star’s COO in September. Shortly following that announcement, the company acquired Jet East and significantly expanded its maintenance operations. As part of the recent leadership restructuring, McReynolds will assume increased responsibility and oversight of all business operations in his new role as president and COO.
“Stephen and Allen bring a unique set of skills and experiences to their leadership roles,” said Rankin. “I’m excited to support them as they build on West Star’s long-standing guiding principle of taking care of customers and employees. Stephen and Allen have a rich understanding of where the company is headed, and I look forward to achieving new milestones with them as they assume these leadership roles.”
In operation for more than 75 years, West Star Aviation employs more than 3,000 professionals, making it one of the largest independent MROs in the business. The company offers comprehensive services from its strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, Illinois; Grand Junction, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Millville, New Jersey; Perryville, Missouri; and Statesville, North Carolina. It also operates satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Chicago, and West Palm Beach. The company’s capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services.