MIAMI, Fla. - Elevate Aviation Group (EAG) named award-winning entrepreneurial executive leader John Thomas, Jr. as Chief Financial Officer. Thomas’ leverages decades of highly effective strategic financial operational leadership in the aviation industry, making him highly qualified for the role’s responsibilities of overseeing financial operations, optimizing financial models, and managing strategic planning, budgeting, and cash flow as CFO.
“This position is crucial to shaping financial strategies that align with the organization's diverse aviation services, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainable growth to maintain market leadership,” said Thomas. “As the CFO at EAG, I look forward to incorporating the strategies and proven acumen acquired throughout my career into financial and operational leadership while providing executive oversight alongside the President, CEO, and Executive Team.”
Thomas’s career in aviation began as a Financial Analyst for British Airways, progressing to Assistant Vice President of Finance. He accomplished a 32% increase in operating performance and a $350 million reduction in operating costs during his 10-year period at Etihad Airways. Most recently, Thomas provided strategic, financial, and operational leadership and executive oversight as CFO at Silverhawk Aviation, resulting in generating a 108% improvement in core operating performance and resource efficiencies.
“As a wholly owned, debt-free company, EAG holds an increasingly rare financial strength in the aviation industry,” said Randy McKinney, President of Elevate Aviation Group. “Thomas aligns with our proven financial acumen and supports the strategic growth of EAG and it’s subsidiaries, Elevate Jet and Private Jet Services, to continue providing world-class aviation solutions to our clients.”
John Thomas, Jr. holds a postgraduate degree in Mergers & Acquisitions from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Economics, Management & Accounting from the University of the West Indies, and an Associate of Science (AS) Degree in Economics and Law granted at the University of Cambridge. Thomas is a Certified Management Accountant and a member of the Certified Institute of Management Accountants and the Association for Financial Professionals.
