Gogo, a global provider of aviation broadband connectivity products and services, recently named Oakleigh Thorne as president and CEO, which he assumed immediately.
Thorne replaced Michael Small, who resigned from the position and as a director for the company.
“I am excited to work with the Gogo team as we move forward with urgency to execute on four strategic priorities: driving quality for airlines and passengers, sharpening our operational focus, achieving profitability with the money we have in the bank and driving shareholder value,” Thorne said. “We are highly confident in our ability to achieve our strategic and financial objectives as we improve execution and realize our significant growth opportunities.”
The board of directors decided Thorne was the best person to achieve the company’s goals because of his track record, Board Chairman Ronald LeMay said.
Thorne is a Gogo director and CEO of Thorndale Farm, Gogo’s largest shareholder, owning approximately 30 percent.
He previously served as CEO of Commerce Clearing House. In 1996, the company was sold for $1.9 billion.
Thorne was chairman and CEO of eCollege.com from 2000 until 2007. The company increased in value five-fold and was sold for more than $500 million.
He also has served as the CEO of two public companies.