AAR Appoints Sharon Purnell as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), known for its extensive aviation services catering to both commercial and government sectors, has recently made a significant addition to its leadership team. Sharon Purnell has been appointed as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. This strategic move reflects AAR's commitment to enhancing its human resources functions, and Purnell is expected to play a vital role in this regard.
A Wealth of Experience
Purnell joins AAR with over two decades of experience in the human resources field, where she has consistently achieved impressive results through effective coaching and strategic leadership. Her most recent position was as Chief Human Resources Officer at Stepan Company, where she successfully spearheaded initiatives focused on employee development, retention, and cost-saving measures. This background highlights her capability to influence organizational culture and enhance employee engagement—skills that will be invaluable at AAR.
Prior to her time at Stepan Company, Purnell held similar roles at various high-profile organizations, including Streamland Media, Riddell Sports, Underwriters Laboratories, Honeywell Aerospace, and General Electric Company. Her extensive career demonstrates a proven track record in managing human resources across diverse industries, which is particularly relevant given AAR's broad scope of operations in aviation and defense.
AAR's Vision and Goals
John M. Holmes, AAR's Chairman, President, and CEO, has expressed enthusiasm about Purnell's arrival. He stated,
"We are pleased to welcome Sharon to our award-winning Company culture and the Best Team in Aviation." This statement underscores AAR's culture-oriented approach and commitment to maintaining a positive workplace environment, which has been recognized as one of the best in the industry.
AAR's strategic objectives are closely aligned with Purnell's focus on company integration and talent retention. Her experience in managing workforce dynamics, especially in organizations undergoing significant changes, makes her particularly suited for this role.
The Role Ahead
As Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Purnell will oversee the global human resources department at AAR, focusing on recruitment, talent management, and employee engagement initiatives. She is prepared to roll up her sleeves and foster trust and collaboration across all levels of the company. In her words,
"I am honored to join AAR's highly engaged team. I am ready to roll up my sleeves and build trust at all levels of the Company."
This sentence echoes a sentiment that is essential in human resources: fostering trust is crucial for building a strong organizational culture. Purnell’s proactive approach is likely to resonate well with AAR’s already engaged workforce.
The Future of AAR
With Sharon Purnell stepping into this pivotal role, AAR aims to further its mission of providing top-tier aviation services globally. The company has solidified its position as a major player in the aviation industry, servicing both commercial and government customers across multiple operating segments, such as Parts Supply and Repair Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services.
As AAR continues to expand its global reach, the importance of an adept human resources strategy becomes even more pronounced. Integrating Purnell's experience and skills into AAR's framework might just pave the way for innovative talent management strategies and a more engaged workforce.
For more information about AAR, please visit their website at
aarcorp.com.