SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) September 10, 1997
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA 0-28774 68-0070656
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission (I.R.S. employer
of incorporation) file number) identification no.)
180 Harbor Drive, Suite 200 94965-2846
Sausalito, CA (Zip code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (415) 331-5281
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ITEM 5. Other Events.
A copy of Willis Lease Finance Corporation's (the "Company") press
release dated September 10, 1997, announcing the hiring of James
McBride as Chief Financial Officer, with Elliot M. Fischer moving to
the position of Vice President-Syndications, is filed as an exhibit to
this Current Report on Form 8-K.
ITEM 7. Financial Statements, Proforma Financial Information and Exhibits.
(c) Exhibits.
Exhibit 99.1 Press Release dated September 10, 1997.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Dated: September 12, 1997 By /s/ Elliot M. Fischer
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Elliot M. Fischer
Chief Financial Officer and
Controller (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
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EXHIBIT 99.1
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
180 Harbor Drive, Suite 200
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 331-5281 Phone
(415) 331-6070 Fax
FOR RELEASE
Wednesday, September 10, 1997
Len Cereghino & Co. CLIENT: WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION
CORPORATE INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT: Don Nunemaker
2605 Western Ave., Seattle WA 98121 Executive Vice President and
(206) 448-1996 Chief Administrative Officer
(415) 331-5281
NEWS RELEASE
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WILLIS LEASE FINANCE CORPORATION HIRES JAMES MCBRIDE AS CFO;
ELLIOT FISCHER NAMED VP - SYNDICATIONS
Sausalito, CA - September 10, 1997--Willis Lease Finance Corporation
(NASDAQ:WLFC) today announced the continued expansion of its management team.
James McBride, former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Triton Container International, Limited, a $200 million revenue company, joins
the company as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective
September 15, 1997. Elliot M. Fischer will take over the newly created position
of Vice President - Syndications.
"The complexity and diversity of the finance role in this company,
coupled with the fast pace generated by our rapid growth, mandates a further
enhancement of our senior management team. Our finance department has built an
impressive record in the past two years. Accomplishments include completing our
IPO, renegotiating credit lines and providing excellent service to our customers
and investors. Expanding the capabilities of our senior financial group is a
critical component of our strategy to take this company to the next level, and
to capitalize on the momentum we've generated thus far," stated Charles F.
Willis, President and CEO.
"James McBride brings over 20 years of experience in the leasing
industry and capital markets. He also has expertise in financial controls,
international operations, capital formation,
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information systems, acquisitions and risk management," said Willis. During his
12 years at Triton, McBride served as Director of Finance, Treasurer, VP of
Finance and Chief Financial Officer. A resident of San Francisco, he holds an
MBA from the University of California in Berkeley.
"Elliot Fischer, who as CFO has been instrumental in our early growth,
will assume the new position of Vice President - Syndications," said Willis.
"Capitalizing on his strengths, Elliot's primary focus will be to manage our
syndication activities and oversee the financing of individual assets. He will
also continue to provide financial analysis relative to new equipment
acquisitions and programs in support of the company's sales activities."
Willis Lease Finance Corporation provides operating leases of spare
commercial aircraft engines worldwide to commercial airlines, aircraft
manufacturers and overhaul/repair facilities. The Company also engages in the
purchase and resale of used and refurbished commercial aircraft engines and
airframe and engine components.
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NOTE: Transmitted on PR Newswire at 1:40 p.m., PDT, September 10, 1997.
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