Embraer has turned to the financial sector for a leader to head its Executive Jets business unit, hiring Michael Amalfitano as president and CEO to succeed Marco Tulio Pellegrini, who will assume another leadership position within Embraer “to be announced soon.”
Amalfitano has no prior aviation OEM experience but spent his 35-year career in business aircraft finance. He held several leadership positions with equipment-leasing companies, including Stonebriar Commercial Finance, Banc of America Leasing, Fleet Capital and GE Capital.
“We are thrilled that Michael has decided to join Embraer to lead our Executive Jets business,” said Paulo Cesar Silva, CEO of the Brazilian company. “We are confident that as a very seasoned and successful executive he is qualified to take advantage of our position as a leading player in this highly competitive industry.”
Embraer has emerged as a top producer in the business jet market in the last decade, expanding its product portfolio from the regional-jet-derived Legacy 600 to a full stable of airplanes spanning the Phenom 100 and 300, Legacy 450, 500 and 650, and Lineage 1000. Once again last year, the Phenom 300 was the world’s best-selling business jet with 63 airplanes delivered.
“I’m honored to assume the executive position Marco has held, and privileged to lead an amazing team of dedicated employees and leverage our highly valued portfolio of aircraft to the benefit of our customers and shareholders globally,” said the new Embraer Executive Jets CEO.
