#USA #Coral Gables #Afterburner #Rob Ceravolo #James Murphy

A New Chapter for Afterburner

After three decades of spearheading innovation in business leadership, Afterburner celebrates its 30th anniversary with a transformative leadership change. On August 24, 2026, Rob "Rocko" Ceravolo, renowned for founding Tropic Ocean Airways, officially takes the reins as the Chief Executive Officer of Afterburner. This change signals a strategic continuation of the company's mission to instill military-grade discipline and execution excellence in the corporate world.

Founded in 1996 by U.S. Air Force fighter pilot James D. "Murph" Murphy, Afterburner emerged from a vision to leverage the principles of elite fighter aviation to enhance organizational performance. Under Murphy’s guidance, the company has successfully influenced over 2.2 million leaders across various sectors, including a substantial percentage of Fortune 500 companies. With Ceravolo's appointment, Afterburner aims to further these ideals and expand its impact.

Ceravolo, a former U.S. naval fighter aviator and TOPGUN graduate, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He launched Tropic Ocean Airways in 2009, starting with just one aircraft. Fast forward to today, and his venture stands as the world’s largest amphibious airline, with operations spanning the globe. His approach, which mirrors military-grade training and execution, aligns closely with Afterburner’s founding philosophy, positioning him as a well-suited leader to carry forward the company’s legacy.

In his words, "I built Afterburner to prove that flawless execution isn't a talent you're born with; it's a discipline, and it can be taught." Murphy’s steadfast belief underscores the importance of training and accountability, which he has imparted to millions of leaders.

Murphy remains deeply involved with Afterburner, continuing as a vital member of the Board of Directors. He will also resume delivering keynote speeches, sharing insights garnered from decades of experience, thereby securing Afterburner’s commitment to excellence.

Ceravolo’s proven leadership skills are complemented by a solid safety record at Tropic Ocean Airways, where he implemented a pilot development program modeled after U.S. Naval flight procedures. He advocates that standardization is the bedrock of sustainable growth, especially within the current global pilot shortage context—a principle that resonates with Afterburner’s initial ideology.

"I’ve spent my whole career betting that fighter-pilot discipline builds great companies," Ceravolo describes. His previous achievements validate this claim, as he led critical operations during crises, including the successful evacuation of more than 900 individuals and the delivery of 200,000 pounds of aid following Hurricane Dorian—demonstrating the effectiveness of team planning and execution.

As Ceravolo sets forth as CEO, the company looks ahead, poised for the next 30 years of innovation and success in corporate training. Afterburner’s mission remains unchanged: to develop leaders who can plan, brief, execute, and debrief effectively, just as fighter squadrons do. With a legacy built on discipline and excellence, the stage is set for Afterburner to continue its influential work in transforming business practices across the globe.

Learning from their extensive experience and proven methodologies, businesses can engage with Afterburner to book training programs, keynotes, or events by visiting their official website at afterburner.com or reaching out directly to their team.

About Afterburner

Founded in 1996 by James D. 'Murph' Murphy, Afterburner adopts the elite planning processes of fighter squadrons to revolutionize business performance. The Afterburner methodology, Flawless Execution℠, has reached millions of leaders globally, reinforcing that consistent execution can redefine success in the corporate arena. Afterburner remains a veteran-owned entity, headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, with a single mission—One Moment. One Leader.