Aircraft Owners and Pilot Group Appoints New President and CEO | Aviation International News

AOPA Appoints Darren Pleasance as New President and CEO

Mark Baker is retiring after leading the association for more than 11 years

Darren Pleasance — Darren Pleasance will take on the role of president and CEO of AOPA in 2025.

By Jessica Reed • Writer & Editor

September 25, 2024

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has named Darren Pleasance as its new president and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Pleasance, an experienced pilot with more than 8,000 hours TT in more than 50 aircraft types, brings a background in both aviation and business leadership to the role. His appointment follows the retirement of Mark Baker, who served as AOPA’s president for more than 11 years and played an important role in advocating for general aviation.

Pleasance’s aviation experience includes flying for corporate clients, conducting charters in remote areas, and maintaining his status as a certified flight instructor. He operates several aircraft, including a Piper Meridian and a SeaRey floatplane. In addition to his aviation credentials, Pleasance’s career has spanned leadership roles at companies such as Cisco, Google, and McKinsey & Co.

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