LCI has announced two appointments to its leadership team following the recent investment by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co., Ltd. (SMFL). Eric Kataoka has been named LCI’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO). Kataoka was previously SMFL’s General Manager of Aviation Business Development. He has over 20 years of experience in aviation, with major roles including Head of Aviation Business Development at Sumitomo Corporation. He will now be responsible for overseeing LCI’s investment activities, capital deployment and portfolio management.
Meanwhile, Nigel Leishman, who joined LCI in 2008 and most recently served as the company’s Executive Vice President and Global Head of Marketing, has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer (CIO). He will lead the company’s marketing and commercial teams and develop a range of innovative leasing solutions designed for a new era of aviation.
Speaking about the appointments, Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, said: “I am delighted with both of these announcements. Eric and Nigel bring extensive strength and depth to LCI’s senior executive team and will play pivotal roles in the next chapter of our company’s development. I am confident that their proven leadership skills and respected industry relationships will add enormous value to our company, customers and partners.”
