Readies Executive Structure for 2 High-Level Retirements in the Coming Year

Gogo has appointed longtime company man Sergio Aguirre as president and chief operating officer as they institute plans for succession and general counsel roles to replace and reorganize their corporate structure. 

Aguirre is a familiar face for those acquainted with Gogo's Business Aviation Division, having worked as the president of the arm. His move up will place him over Gogo, Inc. proper, reporting directly to Gogo chairman and CEO Oakleigh Thorne. The change sets up the "world's largest provider of broadband connectivity services for the business aviation market" for continued operations without interruption going forward, organizing leadership for a more streamlined chain of promotion during the valuable growth phase of their new venture. 

A succession plan for executive vice president and general counsel Margee Elias and executive vice president and chief financial officer Barry Rowan has been introduced, as well with the recent announcement of their retirement plans. A 15-year company veteran, Elias plans on retirement towards the end of the year. There is no firmly identified successor at this time, the company says. They have begun working with headhunters to find a suitable executive to fill the position. Rowan will retire by 2023, shortly after the release of Gogo's 2022 results. Jessica Betjemann, Gogo’s current Senior Vice President of Finance, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer, will succeed Rowan.

“Sergio’s promotion reflects the leadership role he plays within Gogo’s new operating structure as a pure-play business aviation company,” said Oakleigh Thorne, Gogo chairman. “With more than 30 years of aviation industry experience, including 15 years with Gogo, Sergio’s unique expertise and leadership is critical in advancing our strategic initiatives and building shareholder value.”

He says that Elias and Rowan will be sorely missed at the company. “Margee and Barry’s leadership and guidance have been integral to every facet of Gogo’s transformation, including supporting the sale of Gogo’s Commercial Aviation business in 2020 and our comprehensive refinancing in April 2021, which strengthened our financial position and created a strong foundation for growth,” Thorne said.

“We are fortunate to have a highly qualified successor for Barry in Jessi and I have no doubt we will identify a similarly highly qualified successor for Margee,” he said. “I look forward to working with all of them on this orderly transition.”

FMI: www.gogobusinessaviation.com