West Star Aviation has added Jim Rankin to their team as CEO. Bob Rasberry has been named chairman of the Board, and Rodger Renaud will remain president and COO. The company says it has taken a proactive approach in strengthening its leadership team to ensure its continued success in delivering service to its customers during a time of rapid growth.
Rankin began his career in aviation as a pilot flying for Midwest Airlines accruing over 11,000 flight hours. He held positions as chief pilot and director of Operations before being named president & CEO at Skyway Airlines, a regional airline subsidiary of Midwest Airlines, in 2000. He then accepted the president & CEO position at Air Wisconsin Airlines, a 70-aircraft American Eagle carrier and most recently, he was the president & CEO of Oregon-based Columbia Helicopters. Jim will be located at the East Alton, Illinois, facility.
“I am pleased to have Jim join our team. He has a 30-year aviation background with over 18 years of experience in the CEO role, successfully leading executive teams and companies. Jim’s customer and employee-centric focus aligns perfectly with our company values, paving the way for a smooth transition,” said Bob Rasberry, chairman of West Star Aviation. “I will continue on with the West Star family as chairman of the Board, working with Jim and the management team to continue our heritage of providing an industry-leading customer experience, and maintaining our commitment to our employees,” Rasberry continued.
“West Star is a customer and employee-focused company and I’m looking forward to leading the West Star team as we add new hangar capacity at both our East Alton and Chattanooga locations,” said Jim Rankin, West Star Aviation CEO.