AerSale Appoints Paul Hechenberger as Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
AerSale® (NASDAQ: ASLE), a recognized leader in the global aviation aftermarket and a provider of comprehensive products and services for commercial airlines, announced today the appointment of Paul Hechenberger as Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary. This strategic leadership addition strengthens AerSale’s executive team as the company continues to expand its footprint across the aviation sector and deliver innovative solutions to its global customer base.
A Veteran Legal and Aerospace Leader
Hechenberger brings to AerSale more than 40 years of combined experience in legal practice, corporate governance, compliance, and aerospace leadership. His career reflects not only deep expertise in corporate law but also a unique understanding of the complex regulatory and operational environment in which the aviation sector operates. Over the decades, he has been closely involved in high-value mergers and acquisitions (M&A), cross-border corporate transactions, and the development of compliance programs aligned with the dynamic demands of the aerospace and defense industries.
Before joining AerSale, Hechenberger served as a Partner at Shutts & Bowen, a prominent Miami-based law firm known for its work across diverse business sectors. In this role, he advised corporate clients on high-level transactions, governance frameworks, and compliance matters, earning a reputation for practical counsel that balances legal risk with strategic business goals.
Proven Leadership Across Aerospace Organizations
Hechenberger’s career trajectory has included key general counsel and senior legal leadership positions at several well-known aerospace organizations. Notably, he was General Counsel at iAero Group, where he oversaw legal affairs during a period of expansion and industry repositioning. He also served as Deputy General Counsel at Spirit AeroSystems, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aerostructures for commercial and defense aircraft.
His experience extends further to BBA Aviation (Aftermarket Services), where he acted as General Counsel, and to BBA Aviation headquarters, where he held the title of Chief M&A Counsel, guiding the company through a series of strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Earlier in his career, he contributed as Corporate Counsel at Tyco Fire & Security, where he gained valuable insights into managing legal and compliance challenges for global industrial operations.
This breadth of experience positions Hechenberger as a trusted advisor who not only understands the law but also appreciates the business realities and operational complexities of the aviation industry.
Distinguished Military Service
Complementing his corporate career, Hechenberger has an equally distinguished record of military service. As a U.S. Navy veteran, he served as an EA-6B Naval Flight Officer and ultimately retired with the rank of Captain after a combined 30 years of active duty and reserve service. His background in aviation operations and leadership within the military reinforces his deep connection to AerSale’s mission of supporting safe, efficient, and cost-effective air travel.
His educational achievements further underscore his qualifications. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Florida, an MBA from the University of West Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) from Villanova University. In addition, he is a licensed attorney in the state of Florida, bringing both regional legal expertise and global business acumen to AerSale’s leadership team.
CEO Endorsement
In announcing the appointment, Nicolas Finazzo, Chief Executive Officer of AerSale, highlighted Hechenberger’s unique combination of legal expertise and industry knowledge.
“Paul’s extensive legal expertise and deep understanding of the aerospace industry make him an outstanding addition to our executive team,” said Finazzo. “His proven leadership and strategic counsel will be instrumental as we continue to grow our business and deliver value to our shareholders. Having an executive of his caliber ensures AerSale remains well-positioned to navigate complex regulatory environments and seize emerging opportunities in the aviation marketplace.”
About AerSale®
AerSale is widely recognized as a trusted partner for airlines and aircraft operators worldwide. The company specializes in providing integrated aftermarket services and products that help owners and operators realize cost efficiencies across aircraft operation, maintenance, and asset monetization. AerSale’s expertise extends across multiple business segments, including:
- Aircraft & Component MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul): Delivering top-tier technical support and repair services for aircraft and engine components.
- Aircraft and Engine Sales and Leasing: Providing flexible solutions that support airlines in fleet management and operational planning.
- Used Serviceable Material (USM) Sales: Supplying certified, high-quality used parts and components to optimize maintenance budgets.
- Engineered Solutions: Developing proprietary technologies designed to meet regulatory requirements and enhance aircraft performance, such as AerSafe®, a fuel tank flammability reduction solution; AerTrak®, an ADS-B Out compliance system; and AerAware™, an advanced Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) designed to improve operational safety and efficiency.
By combining these service offerings with a strong emphasis on customer support and innovation, AerSale has positioned itself as a critical enabler of safe and efficient commercial aviation.
