StandardAero has appointed Paul McElhinney as chief executive officer, succeeding Russell Ford following the latter's decision to retire after 13 years leading the company and 45 years in the aerospace industry.

McElhinney, the company's lead independent director since 2019, will assume the CEO role on October 1, 2026. Ford will remain closely involved in the transition, serving as executive chairman through the end of 2026 before handing the chairmanship to McElhinney on January 1, 2027. Ford will continue to serve on StandardAero's board thereafter.

Since becoming CEO in 2013, Ford has overseen a period of significant expansion for the aerospace aftermarket provider. Annual revenue has grown from $1.6 billion to more than $6 billion while the company has expanded its global footprint, broadened its capabilities and completed an initial public offering in 2024.

StandardAero has also reported continued revenue growth, earnings growth and backlog expansion since becoming a publicly traded company.

McElhinney brings more than 35 years of aerospace and industrial leadership experience to the role. In addition to his board responsibilities at StandardAero, he serves as senior operating partner and co-head of the portfolio strategy and optimisation group at AE Industrial Partners.

Earlier in his career, McElhinney led GE Power Services, a $15 billion power generation aftermarket business, and GE Aviation Services, where he oversaw growth that more than doubled the business's backlog to over $100 billion.

“On behalf of the board, we congratulate Russ on an extraordinary tenure leading StandardAero and thank him for his exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the company,” says Doug Brandely, director, StandardAero. “Under Russ' leadership, StandardAero has grown into a market leader, delivered significant value and established strong momentum across the business.”

“It has been a privilege to lead the StandardAero team as CEO over the past 13 years,” adds Ford. “I have worked closely with Paul over the past several years in his capacity as lead independent director and am excited about the future of StandardAero with him at the helm.”

“StandardAero plays a critical role in the aerospace aftermarket and, with robust demand across all its end markets and a clear trajectory for continued growth, is well positioned to capture the market opportunity ahead,” says McElhinney.