Story ID: 
Gogo Transitioning Leadership as Pure-play Bizav Entity
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Sergio Aguirre, formerly president of Gogo Business Aviation, is now president of Gogo Inc., while the company's general counsel and CFO are set to retire.
Word Count: 277
Gogo promoted Sergio Aguirre to president and COO and is preparing for the succession of executive v-p and general counsel Margee Elias and executive v-p and CFO Barry Rowan following their upcoming retirements.

Aguirre had been president of the company's Business Aviation division but moves into the role for Gogo Inc. as it has transitioned into a pure-play business aviation entity. He continues to report to Gogo chairman and CEO Oakleigh Thorne.

“Sergio’s promotion reflects the leadership role he plays within Gogo’s new operating structure as a pure-play business aviation company,” Thorne said. “With more than 30 years of aviation industry experience, including 15 years with Gogo, Sergio’s unique expertise and leadership are critical in advancing our strategic initiatives and building shareholder value.”

In addition, Elias announced plans to retire by the end of 2022 after 15 years with Gogo. The company said it has retained an executive search firm as it seeks a successor.

Separately, Rowan also announced his intention to retire in 2023 after Gogo announces its full-year 2022 results. Plans call for Jessica Betjemann—currently Gogo’s senior v-p, chief accounting officer, and treasurer—to assume Rowan's former role.

“Margee and Barry’s leadership and guidance have been integral to every facet of Gogo’s transformation, including supporting the sale of Gogo’s Commercial Aviation business in 2020 and our comprehensive refinancing in April 2021, which strengthened our financial position and created a strong foundation for growth,” Thorne said. “We are fortunate to have a highly qualified successor for Barry in Jessi and I have no doubt we will identify a similarly highly qualified successor for Margee.”