AAR Corp Appoints Sarah Flanagan as Interim CFO in Leadership Transition

AAR Corp Announces Leadership Change

AAR CORP., recognized as a top-tier provider of aviation services, has recently disclosed a significant transition within its executive team. Effective December 11, 2025, Sarah Flanagan will step into the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding Sean Gillen, who will be departing to explore new opportunities beyond the aviation sector.

Sarah Flanagan's journey with AAR began in 2012, where she quickly progressed through various finance positions due to her robust performance and expertise. Most notably, she has served as the Vice President of Financial Operations and has been instrumental in managing financial strategies for one of AAR's most prominent business segments. Her leadership contributed significantly to the organization's growth trajectory, culminating in her promotion to an Officer of the Company in 2017.

Prior to joining AAR, Flanagan amassed valuable experience at Honeywell International, where she engaged in several critical roles, including Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) and Senior Controller. This solid groundwork in finance, combined with her tenure at PwC as an auditor, has equipped her with the insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the aerospace and defense industries.

In a statement, John M. Holmes, Chairman, President, and CEO of AAR, expressed gratitude towards Gillen for his dedicated contributions over the last seven years. Holmes acknowledged that Gillen's strategic oversight was pivotal in positioning AAR towards higher growth sectors and enhancing its portfolio effectiveness.

Holmes added, “We are fortunate to have a deep bench of strong talent at AAR, and Sarah brings vast industry knowledge and extensive experience across AAR's global operations. Sarah and I have worked closely during her 13 years at AAR, and I am excited she will lead our finance organization during this interim period.”

This moment of transition is not just a reshuffle but a strategic move aimed at bolstering AAR's financial leadership as it continues to adapt to the rapidly evolving aviation landscape. The company, headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois, serves a global clientele encompassing both commercial and government sectors. AAR operates through four major segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services.

Despite current challenges in the aviation market, AAR’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions remains unwavering. As the company embarks on this new chapter under Flanagan's interim leadership, stakeholders are keenly attentive to how this transition will shape the future of the organization.

AAR CORP.'s operational resilience and strategic foresight are expected to support its evolution as it navigates the complexities of the aerospace and defense vicinity. With seasoned professionals like Flanagan at the helm, AAR is poised to maintain its leadership in the industry and continue fostering growth.

For further updates and information, interested parties can visit the official AAR website at aarcorp.com.

In conclusion, AAR CORP. remains steadfast in its mission, guided by experienced leadership and a vision for expansion. With Flanagan leading financial operations during this transitional phase, the company is set to continue pushing boundaries in the aviation sector.