ABL Corporation Names Stephen Orr as Senior Vice President for Africa Operations

Doha – As Morocco’s aerospace sector reaches new heights, a seasoned industry leader is stepping in to navigate ABL Corporation’s pan-African expansion from its Casablanca stronghold. The company announced on Thursday the appointment of Stephen Orr as Senior Vice President for Africa.

Based in Casablanca, Orr will spearhead the group’s development across the African continent, with a particular focus on aviation, asset management, and strategic projects.

Orr brings more than 40 years of aerospace industry experience to the role, having held executive positions at Bombardier Aerospace and Spirit AeroSystems.

His expertise spans aerospace operations, supply chain management, and aircraft manufacturing.

Throughout his career, Orr has etched a legacy of defining milestones, including the establishment of an advanced Aerostructures assembly facility in Morocco and the implementation of Bombardier’s first unified Quality Management System.

“I am excited to join ABL Corporation and contribute to its expansion in Africa,” Orr stated. “After spending more than ten years in Morocco, I have witnessed the country’s remarkable progress in the aerospace sector.”

“I look forward to putting my experience to work in developing the group’s presence across the continent while exploring new horizons,” he continued.

‘Firmly committed to Africa’s development’

Ali Ben Lmadani, CEO of ABL Corporation, commented on the appointment, describing it as decisive and hailing Orr’s strategic leadership and world-class expertise.

“Stephen’s arrival marks a decisive step for our operations in Africa. His sector expertise, leadership, and relationship network in Morocco and across the continent will undoubtedly be major assets in strengthening our presence,” he said.

“ABL Corporation is firmly committed to Africa’s economic development, particularly in the aviation sector. Stephen will play a key role in realizing this ambition.”

In his new role, Orr will oversee the regional expansion of ABL Aviation, a strategic division of the group.

The division is currently strengthening its position in aircraft leasing, particularly through its involvement in the Airbus A220 program.

ABL Aviation has already leased 12 aircraft to Delta Airlines and has delivered 10 out of 16 planned aircraft to Air France.

The appointment bears substantial weight for Morocco, where numerous A220 components are manufactured, reinforcing the country’s strategic position in the global aviation supply chain.

Orr’s prolific experience in Morocco includes active involvement in the aerospace community, serving as a member of the Moroccan Aerospace Industries Association and President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Morocco.

“Morocco is increasingly important in the global aerospace supply chain. With ABL Aviation’s focus on the A220, we are proud to contribute to this success,” Orr noted. “Furthermore, it’s exciting to be part of a group with such a broad and innovative portfolio of activities, covering sectors essential to the economy.”

Read also: IATA: Morocco’s Aviation Sector Is Key Economic Driver

Beyond aviation, ABL Corporation maintains a diversified portfolio across multiple sectors, including ABL Botanicals, ABL Capital, ABL Maritime, and ABL Real Estate.

The group channels its efforts into sustainable and innovative investments to fortify its position as a key player in Africa’s economic development.

Orr holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering and wields extensive expertise in supply chain excellence.

At Bombardier, he introduced a Global Supplier Management System to ensure consistent performance across worldwide operations.

His professional network extends throughout the African aerospace sector, where he has established strong relationships with government officials and industry stakeholders.

ABL Corporation operates internationally with a diverse portfolio of businesses. The group sustains offices across multiple locations, including Dublin, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, combining local expertise with global resources.

This far-reaching network positions the company to deliver specialized solutions across various markets while maintaining its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

As Senior Vice President for Africa, Orr will lead from the group’s Casablanca office, steering strategic initiatives aimed at expanding ABL Corporation’s presence across the continent while advancing its mission of creating sustainable value in multiple sectors of the African economy.