Veteran aviation finance professional Pat Sheedy has been named CEO of Ireland-based Milestone Aviation Group, a GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) helicopter leasing company, by Greg Conlon, himself recently promoted from Milestone CEO to GECAS president and CEO.

“Pat will join the GECAS leadership team and will continue to be based in Shannon, working closely with the Milestone team across the globe,” notes Conlon. “I know the entire team will continue to thrive under Pat's leadership.”

Sheedy adds: “I'm am truly grateful to be afforded this opportunity and look forward to leading such a strong team. I want to thank Greg for his leadership at Milestone and am grateful to be able to rely on his ongoing support.”

With 19 years of international financial services experience under his belt, Sheedy has spent the majority of his GE career working in aviation risk management, with a particular focus on emerging markets. He currently leads the underwriting and portfolio management function at Milestone as well as overall risk responsibility for GE engine leasing and GECAS cargo business.

Previously, he held the position of senior vice president and regional risk manager for GECAS in Dubai, covering the Middle East, Africa and Russia. He trained as a chartered accountant with Deloitte in Ireland and London, where he spent four years in a number of roles including audit and assurance, corporate finance and corporate recovery.