PhilJets Group appointed Willyn Villarica as its new chief executive. Thierry Tea, the founder of the company, steps down as CEO to assume the role of chairman of the board.
Established in 2013, PhilJets has experienced rapid growth over the last five years under the management of Tea, growing its fleet from 0 to 12 aircraft including 9 helicopters and 3 business jets.
Villarica steps in as CEO for PhilJets Aero Services Inc. and PhilJets Aero Charter Corp.
“I have been following the growth of PhilJets and there are great challenges facing us. I aim to continue to professionalize and strengthen the company, to bring in new ideas, develop practical solutions and develop our team.” Villarica said.
Villarica, an MBA graduate from the Asian Institute of Management, who has a successful multi-sector background, from real estate, law, gemology, food and beverage, micro lending, private equity and venture capital, is taking a more active role in PhilJets’ operations. She has been the president of PhilJets Aero Services for the past five years.
“It’s a new era for PhilJets. Whilst I’m proud of the accomplishments PhilJets achieved in the past 5 years, I feel that we can take the company to newer heights by bringing in someone who sees the Philippine aviation industry from a different point of view and at the same time, has the ability to lead our management team as we go through our transition from being a young player in aviation to an emerging leader in the field of business aviation,” said Tea.
“We look forward to the succeeding years with great enthusiasm,” he said.
PhilJets hopes to enjoy continued growth by offering new services, innovative products, increase its existing fleet and expand its operations by opening new branches in other parts of the Philippines.
Tea, as chairman of PhilJets, will oversee the regional development and PhilJets’ expansion in Southeast Asia.
PhilJets is an aviation company which offers general aviation services such as chartered flights, aerial tours, fleet management and aircraft sales. As part of its expansion plans in 2018, the company is venturing in partnerships to enter the MRO sector, have larger coverage of destinations and set up new bases.