AE Industrial Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm focused on aerospace, defense and government services, space, power and utility services as well as industrial markets, has hired Gary Mercer and Shane Wright as special advisors.
Mercer’s decades of aerospace engineering and technology experience includes 36 years of service at various GE entities. He most recently served as vice president and general manager of engineering at GE Aviation, overseeing the design, development, certification and field services of GE Aviation’s commercial and military engines. Mercer was also previously the vice president and chief engineer of GE Aviation’s engineering division. Prior to joining GE Aviation, he worked at GE Energy as the global engineering leader for GE’s Renewable Energy business and held various engineering and technology positions at GE and GE Oil & Gas over his career.
Wright most recently served as senior vice president and chief financial officer for GE Aviation. In that role, from which he retired in December 2022, he oversaw all aspects of financial strategy for GE Aviation’s $30 billion aerospace business with more than 80 facilities in 21 countries around the globe. Wright previously was the chief financial officer for GE Healthcare International, GE Transportation, and property and casualty for insurance services. He has also global finance leadership roles for GE’s transportation, energy and oil and gas.