Willis Lease Finance Taps Vmo Exec to Drive Asia-Pacific Origination
Event summary
- Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) appointed Marilyn Gan as Head of Origination, Asia Pacific, effective March 4, 2026.
- Gan previously served as Head of Asia Pacific at Vmo Aircraft Leasing, overseeing regional strategy and origination.
- Her prior roles include Managing Director and Head of Origination Asia Pacific Aviation at MUFG and leadership positions at DVB Bank SE.
- Gan's appointment supports WLFC’s expansion of its asset management services through Willis Aviation Capital.
The big picture
The hire signals a renewed focus on Asia-Pacific expansion for Willis Lease Finance, a region with significant growth potential but also intense competition. Bringing in a seasoned executive like Gan, with a track record at Vmo, MUFG, and DVB, demonstrates a commitment to building a robust origination pipeline for both WLFC’s owned portfolio and the newly launched Willis Aviation Capital asset management platform. This move is part of a broader trend of aviation finance firms seeking to capitalize on the region's evolving air travel landscape and increasing demand for aircraft leasing and asset management services.
What we're watching
- Market Penetration
- How Gan’s existing relationships and experience will translate into tangible deal flow and market share gains for WLFC in the competitive Asia-Pacific aircraft leasing market remains to be seen.
- Asset Management
- The success of Willis Aviation Capital, and Gan’s role in its origination efforts, will be a key indicator of WLFC’s ability to diversify revenue streams beyond traditional leasing.
- Integration Risk
- The pace at which Gan can integrate into WLFC’s existing operations and culture, particularly given her experience at competing firms, will influence the effectiveness of her origination strategy.
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