Steven Udvar-Házy, the billionaire chair of Century City-based Air Lease Corp., will retire on May 2. He will continue to serve on the company’s board until its 2026 annual meeting of stockholders.
Udvar-Házy founded the aircraft leasing company in 2010 and was its chief executive until 2016.
While at the company he built a portfolio worth more than $32 billion. The publicly traded company had a market cap of $5.3 billion as of Wednesday.
Prior to starting the company, Udvar-Házy lead International Lease Finance Corp., which sold to AIG for $1.3 billion.
“The aviation industry has been my passion since a young age, and it has been incredible to see how far we have come. I am very proud of the success we have achieved since founding ALC over 15 years ago and the role we have played in supporting airline customers around the world,” Udvar-Házy said in a statement.
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The Valley Economic Alliance will award actor Ray Wise with the Business Entertainment Award at its 30th anniversary Valley of the Stars Awards Gala on April 17.
Wise, a Daytime Emmy Award winner for his role as Ian Ward in 91 episodes of “The Young and the Restless,” said he was “truly honored” to receive the award, which highlights artists who contribute to the vitality of the San Fernando Valley.
“The San Fernando Valley has been a vibrant hub for creativity and storytelling, and I am grateful to be recognized among such a talented and passionate community,” he said in a statement.
A native of Akron, Ohio, and graduate of Kent State University, Wise is likely best known for his role as Leland Palmer, the haunted and possessed father of the murdered Laura Palmer in all three seasons of “Twin Peaks” and its prequel film, “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.” He is also known for his role as defiant farmer Jack Taggart in the horror flick “Jeepers Creepers 2,” his dapper yet insidious portrayal of the Devil in the series “Reaper” and for his guest role as a mysterious wanderer in the third season of “Fargo,” where he performed alongside fellow Akron-area native Carrie Coon.
“His incredible talent, dedication, and contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting impact on audiences and the community alike,” said VEA Chief Executive and President Sonya Blake. “This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his artistry and the inspiration he brings to so many.”
Other recipients include the Los Angeles Rams for the Business Leadership Award, Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center for the Community Builder Award, LA Jewish Health President and Chief Executive Dale Surowitz for the Humanitarian Award and Alliance Founders for the Founder’ Award.
Managing Editor Zane Hill contributed to this article.
