Willis Lease Finance Shareholders Notified of Rights After Executive Compensation Revealed

Law firm investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duty by board and controlling shareholder

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of financial documents, a pen, and a calculator arranged on a clean white background, conveying a sense of corporate strategy and finance.A shareholder lawsuit alleges excessive executive compensation at Willis Lease Finance raises concerns over corporate governance and accountability.NYC Today

Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP has announced an investigation into Willis Lease Finance Corporation's (NASDAQ: WLFC) board of directors and executive chairman Charles F. Willis, IV for potentially excessive compensation paid to Mr. Willis over the past several years. Current shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm to learn more about their legal options.

Why it matters

The investigation centers around concerns that Willis Lease's board, which is effectively controlled by Mr. Willis as the company's founder and 40% shareholder, may have breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by approving excessive compensation packages for the executive chairman over an extended period.

The details

In fiscal years 2022 through 2025, Mr. Willis received annual compensation ranging from $6.2 million to $14.2 million, with over half of it in the form of stock awards. In 2024, the board also issued Mr. Willis an unexplained double-grant of $23.9 million in stock options. Most recently in 2025, the board granted Mr. Willis an additional 300,000 stock options 'to retain and incentivize' him, which have since risen significantly in value as the company's stock price has climbed.

  • In fiscal year 2022, Mr. Willis received $6.2 million in compensation.
  • In fiscal year 2023, Mr. Willis received $10.7 million in compensation.
  • In fiscal year 2024, Mr. Willis received $14.0 million in compensation, including a $23.9 million double-grant of stock options.
  • In fiscal year 2025, Mr. Willis received $14.2 million in compensation and was granted an additional 300,000 stock options.

The players

Charles F. Willis, IV

The founder of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, who owns approximately 40% of the company's stock and serves as its executive chairman.

Willis Lease Finance Corporation

A NASDAQ-listed company that provides aircraft and engine leasing services.

Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP

A leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow current Willis Lease Finance shareholders to join the investigation being conducted by Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights concerns over potential excessive executive compensation and potential breaches of fiduciary duty by a board that is effectively controlled by the company's founder. It underscores the importance of shareholder oversight and the role of the legal system in holding corporate leaders accountable.