Story ID: 
West Star Aviation Strengthens Leadership Team
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: Company has taken a proactive approach in strengthening its leadership team to ensure its continued success in delivering industry-leading services.
Word Count: 225
Business aviation MRO provider West Star Aviation has hired Jim Rankin as CEO and elevated now-former CEO Bob Rasberry to chairman, while Rodger Renaud remains its president and COO. “The company has taken a proactive approach in strengthening its leadership team to ensure its continued success in delivering industry-leading service to its customers during a time of rapid growth,” West Star said.

Rankin, who is based at West Star’s East Alton, Illinois facility, most recently was president and CEO of Oregon-based Columbia Helicopters. He began his aviation career as a pilot for Midwest Airlines, logging more than 11,000 flight hours. After rising up the ranks at Midway to chief pilot and then director of operations, he was subsequently named president and CEO at Skyway Airlines, Midwest’s regional airline subsidiary. Later, he was president and CEO at Air Wisconsin Airlines.

“Jim has a 30-year aviation background with more than 18 years of experience in the CEO role, successfully leading executive teams and companies. His customer and employee-centric focus aligns perfectly with our company values, paving the way for a smooth transition," Rasberry noted.

“West Star is a customer and employee-focused company, and I’m looking forward to leading the West Star team as we add new hangar capacity at both our East Alton and Chattanooga locations,” Rankin said.