ATSG appoints three executives to strengthen leadership team

Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) has strengthened its executive leadership team with the appointment of Mike Hough as Group President, Airlines & Services; Tim Schulze as Chief Risk & Corporate Development Officer; and Doug Belding as Vice President, Enterprise Performance and Operating Systems.

The appointments are aimed at further enhancing ATSG’s leadership capabilities across its airline operations, corporate development, risk management and enterprise performance functions.

ATSG President and CEO Greg Mays, said, “We are extremely pleased to have leaders of the caliber of Mike, Tim, and Doug joining ATSG. Mike’s proven track record in driving operational discipline, delivering financial performance, and building commercial enterprises; Tim’s depth of experience and keen strategic perspective; and Doug’s expertise in transformation and operational excellence are exactly what ATSG needs as we continue to execute our long-term growth strategy.”

As Group President, Airlines & Services, Hough will oversee ATSG’s airline operating companies and aviation services businesses as an integrated group, with responsibility for their overall performance and profitable growth. The newly created role is intended to drive operational excellence, strengthen financial accountability and maximise the potential of these businesses, which form a key part of ATSG’s operations.

Hough joins ATSG from GAT Airline Ground Support, where he served as CEO and led the company through a period of significant growth between 2018 and 2026. He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in building, scaling and transforming complex organisations across highly regulated industries. His previous executive roles include positions at ResCare and Air Serv Corporation, while earlier in his career he held leadership roles with Northwest, ATA, Skyway and United Express airlines.

“I am thrilled to join ATSG, a dynamic, evolving organisation where I can help unlock the potential of these strong business units to drive even greater value and growth,” Hough said.

As Chief Risk & Corporate Development Officer, Schulze will lead ATSG’s efforts to identify and develop new business opportunities while overseeing enterprise risk management, capital allocation, insurance and risk financing, mergers and acquisitions, strategic development and corporate governance.

Schulze has served as an external advisor to ATSG since January and brings 25 years of experience spanning enterprise risk, corporate strategy, business development, investment management and insurance. He has experience helping organisations address complex business challenges and develop actionable strategies. Most recently, Schulze served as Chief Financial Officer at BidWizer. Prior to that, he spent 17 years at Barings LLC, holding various leadership positions including Chief Risk Officer and Head of Risk Management.

“Having spent several months as an advisor, I have seen firsthand the strength of the company’s leadership and depth of talent across the organisation. I look forward to continuing to partner with this team to unlock the opportunities ahead”, said Schulze.

As Vice President, Enterprise Performance and Operating Systems, Belding will lead ATSG’s value creation and transformation initiatives. His responsibilities will include improving enterprise systems, processes and management practices to help operational leaders drive performance with greater clarity, consistency and accountability.

Belding joins ATSG from FedEx, where he spent 11 years in leadership roles focused on business transformation and operational excellence.

He said ATSG has a strong foundation and promising growth prospects, adding that he looks forward to working with teams across the organisation to support continued growth and long-term success.