*Eva O’Keeffe. Photograph: Eamon Ward.
Shannon-based aviation specialist Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) has announced the appointment of Eva O’Keeffe as Chief Aviation Services Officer and Susan Keating as Chief Commercial Officer.
Last year, the company announced the acquisition of Lufthansa Technik Shannon LTD (LTSL) and its aviation maintenance services operations. When the acquisition closes on the 31st of March this year, AAG will add over 300 staff to its existing 436 strong Irish and UK-based workforce.
Acquired by Patrick Jordan in April 2015, the business is now one of Europe’s largest independent aviation solutions company’s offering services in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Aircraft Modifications, Continuous Airworthiness Management, Aviation Training and MRO Defence Services.
Eva O’Keeffe has been appointed as Chief Aviation Services Officer. An experienced senior executive in multinational and SME sectors in aviation and financial services, Eva was previously vice president, divisional manager with financial services company Northern Trust in Limerick and CEO of leading private executive jet operator Private Sky.
A graduate of Dublin City University, she holds a bachelors’ degree in Accounting and Finance and is a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Eva started her career in Bank of Ireland and has since held senior roles in finance, operations, compliance, business development and business transformation with Worcester Investments plc, Bank of Butterfield, HSBC Bermuda and University of Limerick.
Susan Keating joins the company as Chief Commercial Officer. She has 20 years’ experience in commercial and executive leadership roles with leading aircraft and engine lessors. She has expertise in international business development, development and implementation of revenue growth strategies and leading commercial teams in the negotiation and execution of complex cross-border aviation asset transactions.
In previous roles, Susan was Vice President Sales & Marketing and Head of Commercial at CFM’s Shannon Engine Support (SES). Susan is a graduate of the University of Limerick and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and an MBA in Aviation Management.
Of the new additions, Atlantic Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer, Shane O’Neill, commented that the duo represented “high-calibre appointees”. He stated, “We are pleased to have someone with Eva’s proven senior leadership experience and experience of leading the growth of businesses with a strong focus on people and customers. We need to ensure we are sufficiently organised from a leadership and management perspective to support our people working in all areas of the business and ensure our customers’ needs are met.
“That’s why we are also delighted to welcome Susan Keating as our new Chief Commercial Officer. Susan will help to ensure all revenue streams of the business continue to thrive and that our brand continues to grow in the civil and defence aviation markets,” O’Neill concluded.
