AAR Corp appoints new chief human resources officer

WOOD DALE, Ill. - AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a prominent aviation services provider with a market capitalization of $1.7 billion, announced today the appointment of Sharon Purnell as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Purnell will be responsible for leading the global Human Resources department, focusing on recruitment, talent management, and employee engagement initiatives. The company has shown strong revenue growth of 21% over the last twelve months, according to InvestingPro data.

With over twenty years of experience in the human resources field, Purnell has a track record of delivering positive outcomes through strategic leadership and coaching. She transitions to AAR from Stepan Company, where she held the position of Chief Human Resources Officer. Purnell has a history of leading development, retention, and cost-saving efforts. Her career includes senior HR roles at Streamland Media, where she managed the integration of multiple entities and enhancement of employee benefit programs, as well as leadership positions at Riddell Sports, Underwriters Laboratories, Honeywell Aerospace, and General Electric Company. Her appointment comes at a crucial time as AAR's stock trades near its 52-week low, though InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued.

John M. Holmes, AAR's Chairman, President, and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about Purnell's appointment, citing her experience with company integration and talent retention as valuable assets that align with AAR's strategic goals.

Purnell herself shared her eagerness to join AAR, stating her readiness to build trust throughout the organization and contribute to its highly engaged culture.

AAR operates in over 20 countries and supports commercial and government customers through a range of services, including parts supply, repair and engineering, integrated solutions, and expeditionary services.

This announcement is based on a press release statement from AAR CORP.

In other recent news, AAR Corp reported its fiscal third-quarter 2025 financial results, revealing a 20% year-over-year increase in revenue to $678 million, though this fell short of the expected $698.97 million. The company posted an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.99, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.96. Analysts from RBC Capital Markets maintained an Outperform rating with a $75 price target, praising AAR Corp's strong margin performance despite the revenue shortfall. Benchmark analysts also kept a Buy rating, setting a price target of $83, and noted the company's effective efficiency measures that led to an adjusted EBITDA beat.

Truist Securities adjusted AAR Corp's price target to $78 from $81, while maintaining a Buy rating, citing mixed financial outcomes and a shortfall in the Used Serviceable Material (USM) segment. The company announced several strategic moves, including a joint venture with KIRA Aviation Services to train Navy E-6B Mercury pilots, and significant distribution agreements with Chromalloy and Unison. AAR Corp anticipates the closure of its $51 million Landing Gear Overhaul business sale in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2025, a move expected to influence its growth trajectory.

The company continues to see strong demand from both commercial and government sectors, with ongoing margin expansion anticipated through new parts distribution and airframe maintenance efficiencies. AAR Corp's management expressed optimism about future growth, indicating that current market challenges have not significantly impacted their operations.

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