US aircraft management and charter operator Priester Aviation has been serving private aviation clients for more than 75 years. To continue that commitment and to help grow Priester's reach and range of services, the company has announced the hiring of Rich Ropp as president.

Ropp, a 30 year veteran of aircraft management and aviation sales, comes to Priester having opened the base location in his native St Louis for Jet Linx Aviation. In addition to serving as president there, he was responsible for leading its growth as vice president of business development and aircraft management sales.

“Rich enhances our team as a proven leader and developer of talent,” says Priester chairman and CEO Andy Priester. “We pride ourselves on the level of service we deliver to our clients daily and the relationships we've built with industry professionals to ensure that. Rich's experience and dedication to that commitment will continue to benefit our clients and the company.”

Ropp takes over the role of president most recently held by Andy himself before he was made chairman in late 2021. Andy Priester is the third generation to lead the company founded in 1945 by his grandfather George.

“Joining a company with such a foundation and history of success is a great honour,” says Ropp. “Priester is an aviation company with a legacy that lives up to its values. The experience of its team and longevity with the company is a testament to the excellence Priester delivers.”

Ropp also previously served as national sales director at Jet Aviation, where he was the single point of contact for major clients and flight departments to the company's global platform of services. His experience includes driving aircraft management and jet card membership, as well as developing and executing strategic plans and building up teams.