Desert Jet Names Wilson Chairman, Hires New CEO

Jared Fox will succeed Denise Wilson as Desert Jet CEO on Aug. 1. Wilson, who founded the company, will assume the new role of Desert Jet Holdings board chairman. Courtesy: Desert Jet.Thermal, Calif., business aviation firm Desert Jet has announced its founder and CEO Denise Wilson will move into the new role of chairman of the board for parent company Desert Jet Holdings, and Jared Fox will take over as Desert Jet CEO.

Founded in 2007 as an aircraft management company, Desert Jet has grown by adding Part 135 charter, Part 145 maintenance and FBO operations. As chairman, Wilson "will focus on the strategic growth of the Desert Jet companies to include acquisition opportunities," the company says in a news release.

Fox's appointment takes effect Aug. 1. He will focus on expansion of the workforce and acceleration of growth of all the Desert Jet lines of business, according to the company.

The leadership transition occurs in the final phase of construction of a new five-acre business aviation facility — including the company's headquarters and 32,500-square-foot Desert Jet Center FBO terminal and hangar facility — at Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM).