Air Methods Corporation, the global leader in air medical transportation, has announced that Jay Francis has been appointed as president of Sundance Helicopters. Francis will succeed Bob Engelbrecht who is transitioning to the role of interim president for the Tourism Division.
Prior to joining Air Methods, Francis served as managing director of leisure, lifestyle and recreation for Saudi Oger, Ltd, a $20 billion Middle Eastern Research University, Lifestyle, and Luxury Community which includes sports, leisure activities, housing, entertainment, hotels, and education. He oversaw the development of an international executive management and support team of the leisure operations. He has a career in senior leadership and operations with Wyndham Hotels, as well as financial roles with several private equity companies involved in hospitality and tourism investment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jay to Air Methods,” said Aaron Todd, Air Methods’ chief executive officer. “He brings vast leadership experience coupled with expertise in tourism to support the continued growth of our Las Vegas tour operator.”
In Bob Engelbrecht’s new role as interim president for the Tourism Division, he will provide leadership in the establishment of the division including a continued focus on integrating best practices and management infrastructure. Engelbrecht has been the CEO of Sundance since August 2012. Prior to that, he was with American Eurocopter (Airbus Helicopters) from 2007 to 2012. He has over 39 years of commercial helicopter experience and started his aviation career as a helicopter pilot with the United States Air Force.
“We are grateful for Bob’s continued leadership of our tourism business,” added Todd. “Both of our tour operators – Blue Hawaiian and Sundance – have been performing well, and we see a great deal of opportunities to share best practices and leverage resources across the Tourism Division.”
