Operating lessor LCI has promoted Nigel Leishman to the role of chief commercial officer (CCO) and appointed Eric Kataoka as chief investment officer (CIO). The appointments follow recent investment in LCI by Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Co. (SMFL), according to the lessor.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO, 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.”

Previously LCI’s executive vice president and global head of Marketing, Leischman, who is based in Singapore, joined the company in 2008 and has more than 35 years’ experience in aviation. In his new role 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. “We are entering a new era in aviation with rapid technological advances paving the way towards a more sustainable future,” said Leischman (pictured right). “LCI has an integral role to play in this journey, and we will deliver the commercial and financial innovation to make this possible.”

Kataoka was previously SMFL’s general manager of Aviation Business Development. He has more than 20 years’ experience in aviation, with major roles including head of Aviation Business Development at Sumitomo Corporation. He will oversee LCI’s investment activities, capital deployment and portfolio management.

Commenting on his new role Kataoka said: “I look forward to working closely with the LCI team and our shareholders as we develop the business. My focus will be on developing an investment strategy and strengthening our processes, both of which will underpin innovative and sustainable growth.”

Meanwhile, in March LCI set out three top goals to achieve by 2030, after revealing plans SMFL was to acquire a 35% stake in the business. SMFL and LCI’s parent company Libra Group have pledged to grow LCI’s business by $1.5bn over the coming years with significant capital investment by shareholders. Read about the three main goals here.