News

Atlantic Aviation, a leading aviation infrastructure platform with the second largest network of fixed base operators (FBOs) in North America, today announced that Jeff Foland will succeed Lou Pepper as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 14, 2023. Pepper has served as Atlantic Aviation’s CEO for more than 30 years and will fully focus on his role as a member of Atlantic Aviation’s Board of Directors.

Foland brings nearly three decades of experience in the aviation, travel and transportation industries, including serving as a senior executive at United Airlines and Hertz Global Holdings for many years. He joins Atlantic Aviation from The Parking Spot, the largest near-airport parking operator and real-estate owner in the United States, where he was President and CEO since 2018. 

“Jeff is a highly accomplished and innovative leader with a strong track record of overseeing growth at industry-leading companies, and a deep commitment to providing an unmatched customer experience,” said Dash Lane, Partner at KKR. “These characteristics make Jeff a great fit to lead Atlantic Aviation as the company accelerates its investments in safety, industry-leading hospitality, technology and sustainability to deliver best-in-class service and long-term growth.” 

“I am delighted to join Atlantic Aviation at an exciting time in the company’s history,” said Foland. “The company is in a very strong position thanks to the foundation and growth that has been built under Lou’s leadership, and I deeply admire the organization’s dedication to providing customers with the highest levels of safety and quality service. I look forward to joining the highly talented Atlantic Aviation team to further capitalize on the numerous opportunities that lie ahead and to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers, employees and communities in which we operate.”

Under Pepper’s leadership, Atlantic Aviation has grown from 16 FBOs into one of the leading networks of FBO operators in the world with over 100 locations in strategic markets. As the driving force behind Atlantic Aviation’s safety-first culture and commitments to customer experience, sustainability and convenience, Pepper has left a lasting impact on the company and industry. 

Lane continued: “On behalf of the Board and the entire Atlantic Aviation family, I would like to thank Lou for his exceptional leadership over the past 30 years. As a result of Lou’s long-standing service, Atlantic Aviation is in the strongest position in its history, and I am confident that the company will continue to thrive under Jeff’s leadership. We are very pleased that Lou plans to continue to contribute his deep experience as a member of Atlantic’s Board.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with the incredibly talented and passionate Atlantic Aviation team as we built the company into the industry leader it is today,” said Pepper. “I am incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished and built together. I am confident in Jeff’s ability to lead Atlantic Aviation through its next phase of growth and I look forward to supporting Jeff and the company through my Board role.”

About Jeff Foland 

Jeff Foland brings decades of leadership experience in the aviation, travel, transportation and hospitality sectors, including long tenures as senior executive at United Airlines and Hertz Global Holdings. He joins Atlantic Aviation from The Parking Spot, the largest near-airport parking operator and real-estate owner in the United States, where he was President and CEO since 2018. Under Foland’s leadership, The Parking Spot expanded its national footprint, advanced commercial and operational performance while simultaneously reducing operating costs, dramatically grew the top line and more than doubled earnings while delivering exceptional customer satisfaction. Foland also served as Managing Director of Green Courte Partners, the private equity firm that owns The Parking Spot.

Prior to The Parking Spot, Foland was the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer at Hertz Global Holdings, responsible for all commercial functions worldwide, where he played a pivotal role in advancing commercial capabilities while positioning the company for success in a rapidly changing transportation services environment. Before that, Foland served as Executive Vice President and executive committee member for United Airlines for many years. During that tenure, positions he held included Chief Marketing, IT and Corporate Strategy Officer, President of MileagePlus Holdings, and head of worldwide sales, distribution, customer experience, digital channels and customer care. 

Foland currently serves as Chairman of Direct Travel LLC and Trustee of the Field Museum, and previously was board member at Lasalle Hotel Properties, a publicly traded lodging REIT. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.