StandardAero names new CEO as Russell Ford plans 2026 retirement

StandardAero (NYSE: SARO) announced that Chief Executive Officer Russell Ford will retire in October 2026 after 13 years leading the aerospace engine services company. The board appointed Paul McElhinney, currently the company's lead independent director, to succeed Ford as CEO effective October 1, 2026.

Ford will transition to executive chairman and work with McElhinney through December 31, 2026. McElhinney will become chairman on January 1, 2027, while Ford will remain on the board.

During Ford's tenure since 2013, StandardAero increased annual revenue from $1.6 billion to more than $6 billion in 2025. The company completed its initial public offering in 2024 under Ford's leadership.

McElhinney brings 35 years of aerospace and industrial experience and has served on StandardAero's board since 2019. He currently works as senior operating partner and co-head of the Portfolio Strategy and Optimization Group at AE Industrial Partners. Previously, he served as president and CEO of GE Power Services and GE Aviation Services during a 30-year career at General Electric.

At GE Aviation Services, McElhinney was responsible for growing the business backlog to over $100 billion. He also held general counsel and business development roles at GE Aviation and GE Capital Aviation Services.

"Paul's appointment as CEO is the culmination of the Board's thoughtful succession planning process," said Doug Brandely, a StandardAero director, according to the company's statement.

StandardAero provides aerospace engine aftermarket services including maintenance, repair and overhaul for commercial, military and business aviation markets.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Intuit (INTU) Tops Q4 EPS; Offers FY27 Guidance
• Real Messenger approves $2M share repurchase program over two years
• Bernstein SocGen on StandardAero Inc (SARO): ' Solid revenues, but short-term margin issues'