Columbia Helicopters names new CFO Columbia Helicopters (CHI), the world’s premier tandem rotor helicopter OEM, MRO, and operator, today announced the appointment of Chris Vandersteen as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Chris joins Columbia to lead the company’s financial strategy, overseeing all financial planning, implementation, management, and controls. He will report directly to CEO David Balevic and join the Executive Leadership Team. Chris brings over two decades of aerospace industry experience, having held leadership positions at Honeywell, Bombardier/Learjet, AAR Corp, TransDigm, and, most recently, MD Helicopters, where he served as CFO. He has a proven track record in driving operational improvements by integrating financial data with functional performance, including contract analysis, pricing strategies, cost efficiency, and cash management. Chris succeeds Santiago Crespo, who has left the company to pursue other opportunities. “Chris is a highly accomplished financial leader with a strong track record of delivering results,” said David Balevic, CEO of Columbia Helicopters. “His in-depth knowledge of the aviation industry will add significant value to Columbia. With Chris on board, our leadership team is well-positioned to drive future growth and capitalize on new opportunities.” Balevic continued, “I would like to thank Santiago for his contribution to Columbia over the past nine years, and wish him well in his future endeavors.” Chris Vandersteen commented: “Columbia Helicopters has an outstanding reputation as a combined OEM, operator, and maintainer. With clear opportunities for growth across all regions and sectors, I look forward to working with David and partnering with the executive leadership team during this exciting phase of expansion.”
