Leading Edge Aviation Services Announces Management Changes

COSTA MESA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc., the leading commercial, military and VIP aircraft painting company, today announced that it has promoted Chris Harano, 49, from President to Chief Executive Officer. Leading Edge founder and former Chief Executive Officer, Mike Manclark, will remain with the company as non-executive Chairman.

“Chris brings more than 20 years of experience in industrial services and manufacturing, and a proven track record for growth and implementing process orientated changes,” Manclark said. “I am confident that Chris is the right person to lead our company as we embark on the next phase of our growth and development.”

Harano originally joined Leading Edge to spearhead the company’s strategic growth into new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and manufacturing markets both domestically and globally. Previously, Harano was President of InsulTech, a leading provider of thermal and acoustical products for the power generation markets, where he led key operational initiatives such as lean manufacturing and Six Sigma as the company tripled in size. Prior to that, Harano was CFO of Day Software AG, a company he helped grow from a $1 million operation to an international success that was purchased by Adobe Systems for $240 million in 2010.

Harano holds a master’s degree from the Sloan School of Management at MIT and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I am excited to be working alongside the talented executive leadership team as we begin implementing important initiatives that will make us an even stronger competitor,” Harano said. “The investments we are making in our facilities, processes and equipment will not only enhance our capabilities, but also decrease service time and further improve quality for our customers.”

“While we will be implementing a number of changes to improve our operations, our long tradition of putting our customers’ needs first remains as steadfast as ever,” Harano concluded.

The company also announced that it has appointed Daniel Zeddy, 59, as its Chief Financial Officer. Zeddy has more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, human resources and information technology as well as 20 years of experience in lean manufacturing programs. Zeddy holds a master’s degree in business from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Wayne State University.