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Episode 052 – John M. Holmes, Chairman, President, and CEO, AAR CORP

On this episode of The Executives’ Exchange, we are privileged to feature one of Chicago’s next generation of civic leaders John M. Holmes, Chairman, President, and CEO of AAR CORP. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades in the aviation sector, Holmes is known for his strategic thinking, operational excellence, and effective leadership. 

00:00 – Intro 

1:08 – Early life  

5:35 – College 

10:51 – Investment banking analyst/career path 

16:10 –  AAR  

19:33 – Experience led to CEO

25:04 – Challenges in the aviation industry/COVID effects 

37:21 – Message from sponsor, Shure 

37:52 – New terminal at O’Hare 

40:03 – Civic work 

46:12 – How to encourage CEOs to engage in Civic work 

49:05 – Raising kids in the city 

51:48 – Bringing bees to AAR CORP

53:51 – DJ hobby 

55:24 – Future of aviation 

57:47 –  Advice for young generation 

59:17 – Rapid fire questions

1:01:59 – Outro  

Episode Link: AAR CORP

Host: Margaret Mueller, President & CEO, The Executives’ Club of Chicago
Producer: Eva Penar, Chief Content & Communications Officer, The Executives’ Club of Chicago

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Shure Incorporated.
For nearly 100 years, Shure Incorporated has developed best-in-class audio products that provide high-quality performance, reliability and value. Headquartered in Niles, Illinois, our history of innovation and expertise in acoustics, wireless technology, and more enables us to deliver seamless, transparent audio experiences to a global audience. Our diverse product line includes world-class wired and wireless microphones, networked audio systems and signal processors, conferencing and discussion systems, software, a loudspeaker, and award-winning earphones and headphones.

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