Key MRO Executives To Watch In 2023

Ampofo leads the division at a time when the industry is struggling with global supply chain issues. In addition to managing external supply chain and promoting transparency with suppliers, two big initiatives are underway. One is integrating the legacy pieces of the parts distribution business—Aviall and KLX—under a common structure and forging a culture, processes and tools to go with it. The second is rolling out SAP S/4HANA in the first half of 2023.

American recently promoted Garces to this role, making her the first Latina officer in this position at the airline. In her 21 years with American, she has worked her way up from being an airframe and powerplant technician working third shift to being appointed director of maintenance in 2018, which made her the airline’s first female in that role. Garces strongly supports diversity in aviation maintenance and actively participates in opportunities to demonstrate that.

Schreyoegg oversees program management for MTU’s commercial programs, including the activities of its expanding MTU Maintenance subsidiary. It is rapidly growing its aftermarket business, including its footprint on Pratt & Whitney geared turbofan engine platforms and a slew of new global facilities. MTU Maintenance began sustainable aviation fuel testing with several companies in 2022, so 2023 should see more sustainability developments.

Stark took over as chairman on June 30, succeeding Johannes Bussmann. With much speculation about Lufthansa Technik’s fate amid recent restructuring and reported talks of a future private equity sale, Stark will be overseeing potentially transformative change. The MRO is on track to return business to precrisis levels and its innovation projects—including development of MRO and ground processes for hydrogen-powered aircraft—will likely lead to growth.

Steinhoff will step into this role on Jan. 1, succeeding Richard Kendall. The company expects to see benefits from commercial air traffic recovery in Asia-Pacific, continued cargo conversion growth and a potential reemergence of cabin modification projects. The MRO will also begin exploring the advanced air mobility aftermarket this year through its recent cooperation with EHang.