ACG CFO Departs Amid Record Growth; Search for Successor Begins
- Record Revenues: ACG reported total revenues of $1.3 billion for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
- Pre-Tax Net Income: Pre-tax net income reached $751 million, with $200 million from underlying business growth (15% YoY).
- Fleet Growth: ACG expanded its portfolio by $1.6 billion in 2025, adding 52 new-generation aircraft while divesting 36 older assets.
Experts would likely conclude that ACG's strong financial performance under Craig Segor's leadership provides a solid foundation for its next phase of growth, but the departure of a key financial leader underscores the challenges of navigating a dynamic and capital-intensive aviation leasing market.
ACG CFO Departs Amid Record Growth; Search for Successor Begins
NEWPORT BEACH, CA – April 17, 2026 – Aviation Capital Group (ACG), a global leader in aircraft leasing, announced today that its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Craig Segor, will be stepping down effective May 31, 2026. The departure comes at a time of unprecedented financial strength for the company, setting a high bar for the successor who will be tasked with navigating the firm through its next phase of growth in a dynamic global market.
In a statement, ACG confirmed it has already initiated the search for a new CFO. The transition marks the end of a significant four-year period for the aircraft lessor, during which Segor was credited with playing a pivotal role in shaping the company's financial strategy and operational rigor.
A Legacy of Financial Discipline
Craig Segor joined ACG in late 2022, taking responsibility for a broad portfolio that included Accounting, Treasury, Risk, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Tax, and the firm's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. His tenure has been lauded by the company's leadership for its impact on the business.
"On behalf of the entire ACG team, we thank Craig for his dedicated leadership and significant contributions to ACG during his tenure," said Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG. "Over the past four years, Craig has helped us build a more dynamic business, brought greater financial and operational discipline, and played an integral role in supporting ACG's continued success and future growth."
The results of this disciplined approach are evident in ACG's recent performance. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, the company reported record total revenues of $1.3 billion. Pre-tax net income reached an impressive $751 million, a figure bolstered by a $551 million settlement from insurance claims related to assets in Russia. Even when excluding these one-time proceeds, the underlying business demonstrated robust health, with pre-tax net income growing 15% year-over-year to $200 million. Further underscoring this strength, operating cash flow saw a 20% increase in 2025.
Segor, who previously held senior roles at CDB Aviation and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), expressed his pride in the company's trajectory. "ACG is an outstanding company, with a team of incredibly talented and passionate people," he stated. "I am proud of what we have achieved together and wish the team continued success. As I look ahead, I am grateful for my time at ACG and excited to pursue new opportunities."
Navigating a Dynamic Market
Segor's departure occurs as the aircraft leasing industry enters a new and complex earnings cycle. After years of navigating pandemic-related disruptions, lessors are now benefiting from rising lease rates and appreciating asset values. Persistent production delays at major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing have tightened the supply of new aircraft, increasing the value of existing fleets and placing lessors in a powerful negotiating position. The market is projected to grow significantly, with some forecasts predicting a compound annual growth rate of over 7% to reach nearly $280 billion by 2031.
This environment, while ripe with opportunity, also presents unique challenges for financial leaders. Managing capital-intensive balance sheets, securing favorable financing in a fluctuating interest rate environment, and making strategic fleet decisions are paramount. Executive movements are closely watched, and the departure of a key financial leader can prompt questions about a company's stability and strategic direction. While Segor's exit appears amicable, it is part of a broader trend of leadership transitions across the aviation finance sector as firms position themselves for the post-pandemic landscape.
The Search for a Successor and Strategic Trajectory
ACG, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation, has built its strategy on maintaining investment-grade credit ratings and leveraging its parent's backing to access diverse global funding sources. This financial foundation has enabled an aggressive fleet modernization and expansion strategy. In 2025 alone, the company grew its portfolio by $1.6 billion, adding 52 new-generation aircraft while divesting 36 older assets. As of early 2026, new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft comprise 79% of ACG's fleet, and the company holds commitments for over 180 additional aircraft.
The incoming CFO will be tasked with stewarding this strategy forward. The ideal candidate will require extensive experience in aviation finance, capital markets, and strategic risk management. They must be capable of overseeing a complex global financial operation while supporting ambitious growth and sustainability initiatives, including the company's commitment to sustainability-linked financing.
With a portfolio of approximately 450 owned, managed, and committed aircraft leased to around 85 airlines globally, ACG's financial leadership is critical not only to its own success but to the stability of its many airline partners. The company's strong performance in 2025 provides a solid foundation for this transition, but investors and industry observers will be watching closely. The selection of the next CFO will be a defining moment, signaling the firm's approach to capitalizing on market opportunities while upholding the financial discipline that has become a hallmark of its recent success.
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