Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, announced the appointment of Denis Nayden to its Board as Vice Chairman and Chair of the Risk Committee.

Nayden is a veteran of the aircraft leasing industry and previously served as Avolon’s Chairman from its founding in 2010, through its successful listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014 and up to the point of completion of Avolon’s acquisition by Bohai Capital in January, 2016.

Denis Nayden is an Advisory Managing Partner of Oak Hill Capital Partners. Mr. Nayden was formerly a Managing Partner from 2003 until early 2016. Mr. Nayden plays an advisory role at Oak Hill Capital and is a member of the Investment Committee. Formerly, he was Chairman of the boards of directors of Avolon Holdings Limited, Firth Rixson Limited, Omada International, Primus International, RSC Equipment Rental and Duane Reade, Inc., as well as on the board of Jacobson Companies and Genpact Limited, all prior Oak Hill Capital investments. Prior to joining Oak Hill, he was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GE Capital, where he was responsible for 20 separate businesses representing US$555 billion of aggregate assets and 90,000 employees in 35 countries. During a 27 year tenure at the General Electric Company, Mr Nayden held several roles, including oversight of GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS).

Nayden earned a BA, magna cum laude, and an MBA from the University of Connecticut, where he serves on the Board of Trustees. Mr. Nayden is the Chairman of Varagon Capital, a direct lending asset manager. He serves on the board of directors of buildOn (a non-profit organization) and is an Operating Advisor and a founding investor in Harkness Capital Partners.

Avolon Chairman, Adam Tan, said: “We are delighted that Denis has rejoined the Avolon Board to serve in the important roles of Vice Chairman and Chair of our Risk Committee. He helped navigate Avolon from its founding in 2010 through many important milestones and his expertise in aircraft leasing extends through many cycles. We are fortunate to have a Board member of his calibre and experience as we build Avolon into the world’s leading aircraft leasing company.”