StandardAero legal chief Steve Sinquefield retires

StandardAero legal chief Steve Sinquefield is retiring after more than a decade at the helm of the company’s legal and compliance efforts.

StandardAero, a major U.S.-based maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and aviation services provider, said veteran lawyer Steve Sinquefield will step down from his role as Chief Legal Officer after more than ten years. During his tenure he helped steer the company’s compliance and governance programs as the MRO sector navigated rapid regulatory and commercial change.

The company said it will name an interim legal chief while it runs a search for a permanent successor, and leadership transition plans are in place to keep legal and regulatory work moving smoothly. The move is expected to prioritize continuity across contracts, third-party relationships and regulatory filings.

Why the StandardAero legal chief change matters

For an MRO and services firm, consistent legal oversight is critical: it protects regulatory compliance, supports commercial growth and reduces operational risk. Sinquefield’s exit comes at a time when aviation companies continue to adapt to shifting supply chains, evolving safety expectations, and heightened scrutiny from regulators and customers.

Tenure: more than a decade leading legal and compliance functions as StandardAero’s legal chief
Role: guided company-wide compliance strategy during an era of industry change
Transition: an interim legal chief will be appointed while the company searches for a permanent successor

StandardAero emphasized that the transition is planned and intended to preserve institutional knowledge and ongoing projects. Staff, clients and partners should expect day-to-day legal support to remain in place while the company completes its leadership selection process.

Though the announcement did not include a specific retirement date or a named interim leader, the company’s statement framed the change as orderly and strategic. Industry observers will watch who fills the permanent role — a hire that will shape StandardAero’s approach to contracts, compliance and future growth.