Dublin, 29 January, 2016 | Santos Dumont today announces the corporate realignment of the company into two distinct Commercial and Technical businesses aimed at bringing focused, high value project management solutions to the aviation industry. Ronan Stewart will assume the role of Chief Executive – Commercial, while Enda Clarke will assume the role of Chief Executive – Technical. Concurrently, Cathal Kilmartin will step down from his role as Chief Executive Officer.

Cathal Kilmartin joined Santos Dumont in 2004 and has served as CEO since 2010. Together with Enda Clarke and Ronan Stewart, the executive team at Santos Dumont have delivered strong growth within the business and continuously driven Santos Dumont towards a higher level of service and expertise.

Enda and Ronan will now take overall responsibility for the Technical and Commercial businesses respectively. Together they have over 20 years’ experience in the industry with strong, established relationships and transformed Santos Dumont into a leading aircraft technical and asset management service firm that is recognised for its ability to meet and exceed clients’ business needs.

Under their leadership at Santos Dumont, they have overseen the growth of the business to meet the ever-evolving demands of the aviation market. They have been instrumental in the development of Santos Dumont’s broader service offering, including the company’s expansion into aircraft engine services. Together, Enda and Ronan bring complementary technical and commercial skills which will drive future growth at Santos Dumont as it enters the next stage of development.

In addition, Santos Dumont has renewed the composition of its board. Brian Hayden continues as Chairman, Enda Clarke and Ronan Stewart become executive directors and Mark Tierney has been appointed as a non-executive director. Mark is Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Crabtree Capital and brings with him over 25 years’ experience in the aviation industry at senior level. Mark has managed Crabtree Capital since 1999 and was formerly a senior executive at GPA.

Brian Hayden, Chairman of Santos Dumont, commented:
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Cathal for his contribution to Santos Dumont over the last 12 years and wish him very well in his future career.”

“We are delighted to have two strong executives in Enda Clarke and Ronan Stewart who will continue to lead the business. They have delivered strong growth over the past five years and built a strong team. They have also expanded the range of services provided to the global aviation industry and positioned Santos Dumont as the leading supplier of value services to aircraft owners, lessors and investors world- wide. Enda and Ronan bring a unique set of complementary skills, both commercial and technical. Under their leadership, we are confident we have the expertise and relationships to continue to deliver strong growth as we enter an exciting phase of development in the global aviation industry."
Cathal Kilmartin added:

“After almost 12 years I have taken the decision to leave Santos Dumont to pursue new business opportunities. I would like to thank the Board, management team, employees and business partners for their support during my tenure as CEO. I am very proud of what we have achieved in Santos Dumont. I would like to wish the company every success for the future.”