Desert Jet's founder and current CEO Denise Wilson is transitioning to the newly-created role of chairman of the board for Desert Jet Holdings, the parent company of all Desert Jet entities. The company has also announced the appointment of business aviation industry veteran Jared Fox to the position of Desert Jet CEO, effective 1 August.

Wilson founded Desert Jet in 2007 as an aircraft management company, adding charter operations via Part 135 certification in 2009. Over the next few years, she led the company to rank on the Inc. 500 list of America's fastest growing, privately owned companies, successfully maintaining this position for five consecutive years.

In 2013, Desert Jet was recognised as one of the 50 fastest growing women owned companies globally. The success of the company's charter and management platform led to the launch of Desert Jet Maintenance, which earned its Part 145 certification that same year. The company has since earned the highest industry safety ratings to include ARG/US Platinum, Wyvern Wingman and IS-BAO Stage III.

In 2015, Desert Jet Center was formed and FBO operations commenced the following year in temporary facilities. Construction began on a new five-acre facility at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional airport in Thermal/Palm Springs, California. Desert Jet Center is the independent operator on the field and holds the highest safety ratings of any FBO in the region, including NATA Safety 1st and IS-BAH Stage II. The FBO continually receives the highest customer service ratings in the region as indicated by leading industry resource sites and popular online review sites.

In her new position as chairman of the board, Wilson will focus on the strategic growth of the Desert Jet companies to include acquisition opportunities.

“It's been an incredibly fulfilling experience to have had the opportunity to grow these businesses, literally from nothing, and to also have played a part in the development of so many aviation careers,” she comments. “Now that we are preparing to open the Desert Jet Center terminal, the time is right for me to announce my successor. I'm thrilled to have Jared Fox come on board as Desert Jet's new CEO. I plan to be a resource for Jared as he leads Desert Jet and I look forward to seeing him continue our growth by adding to an already amazing team of aviation professionals.”

Jared Fox brings more than 20 years of broad experience in business and general aviation to Desert Jet, having served in various leadership positions such as vice president, sales manager and airport manager. He was chosen for his business acumen, strong leadership ability and deep experience in charter and FBO operations. He is a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and an instrument rated commercial pilot.

He adds: “The Desert Jet team and company culture are like no other in business and private aviation. I've been a big fan for years and jumped at the opportunity to lead the team. I look forward to growing the charter, maintenance and FBO businesses into the premier aviation service company on the west coast.”

With its newly appointed chief executive officer in place and nearing completion of its new FBO facility and headquarters, Desert Jet will be focused on expanding its workforce and accelerating the growth with all its business entities.