Gogo, a broadband connectivity services provider for the business aviation market, has announced that Sergio Aguirre will be promoted to the role of president and chief operating officer (COO), effective 1st April. Aguirre previously served as president of Gogo’s Business Aviation Division, and will continue to report directly to Gogo’s chairman and CEO, Oakleigh Thorne.
“Sergio’s promotion reflects the leadership role he plays within Gogo’s new operating structure as a pure-play business aviation company,” Thorne explained. “With more than 30 years of aviation industry experience, including 15 years with Gogo, Sergio’s unique expertise and leadership is critical in advancing our strategic initiatives and building shareholder value.”
Gogo also announced succession plans for Margee Elias, executive VP and general counsel, and for Barry Rowan, executive VP and CFO, who have separately announced plans to retire.
Rowan intends to retire in 2023, shortly after Gogo announces its full-year 2022 results. He will be succeeded by Jessica Betjemann, Gogo’s current SVP of finance, chief accounting officer and treasurer.
Elias intends to retire by the end of 2022, after 15 years at Gogo. The company is currently looking for her successor, with the assistance of an executive search firm.
“Margee and Barry’s leadership and guidance have been integral to every facet of Gogo’s transformation, including supporting the sale of Gogo’s Commercial Aviation business in 2020 and our comprehensive refinancing in April 2021, which strengthened our financial position and created a strong foundation for growth,” Thorne said.
“We are fortunate to have a highly qualified successor for Barry in Jessi and I have no doubt we will identify a similarly highly qualified successor for Margee,” he added. “I look forward to working with all of them on this orderly transition.”
