AE Industrial Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm focused on aerospace, defense and government services, space, power and utility services, has hired Stephanie Sanford as senior vice president.

She will be responsible for the origination and management of aircraft leases, engine leases and other related aerospace leasing investments for the AE Industrial Partners Aerospace Opportunities Fund. Sanford brings over 25 years of aviation leasing experience at aircraft lessors, banks and financial institutions in the U.S. and Europe. Before joining AE Industrial, she was a senior vice president and head of aircraft trading at ICBC Aviation Leasing, where she was responsible for over $2.5 billion in aircraft trading transactions. Prior to ICBC, Sanford led the origination team at FPG Amentum as senior vice president and head of trading.

“Stephanie’s significant aircraft leasing origination and management expertise will be an invaluable resource as we continue to invest from our Aerospace Opportunities Fund,” says David Rowe, managing partner of AEI.

“AE Industrial has been an innovator in aviation investment, and I look forward to joining this exceptional team, and helping build its presence in the global aircraft leasing industry,” adds Sanford.