This week, I had the pleasure of attending one of the most invaluable events in the Aerospace + Defense calendar — Aerolambda’s The Aerospace Event at The Beverly Wilshire. Each year, industry leaders gather for two days of insightful discussions, high-impact networking, and in-depth analysis of the trends shaping A+D’s future.
From supply chain challenges to the evolving talent landscape, here are my top takeaways from this year’s event:
1. Tariffs Take Center Stage
Tariffs were the hot topic this year, with many voicing concerns about their potential impact across industry segments. The consensus? A+D needs to take a more proactive stance — similar to the automotive sector — in advocating for policies that protect and promote industry growth.
2. Growth and Opportunity in a Shifting Market
While commercial aerospace manufacturing continues to face headwinds, opportunity abounds in key areas:
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- Aftermarket demand is booming due to aging fleets.
- Aircraft and engine leasing remain strong with record demand.
- Defense and space are thriving, with investments pouring into new technologies and global expansion.
3. The Growing Demand for Talent
One issue that remains top of mind: talent shortages. Across both blue- and white-collar roles, companies are competing harder than ever for top talent. From an executive search perspective, we’re seeing especially high demand for:
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- CFOs + finance leaders. This trend is fueled by increased M&A and capital structuring.
- Sales + business development executives. Companies are prioritizing leaders who can drive revenue growth, instill a hunter mindset, and enhance sales processes.
- Newly created roles supporting expansion. As businesses scale, the need for specialized leadership grows.
4. On-Site, Hybrid, or Remote? The Reality of Today’s Workforce
The conversation around workplace flexibility continues, but the trend is clear: companies are leaning toward full-time or near-full-time office returns. While we’re seeing more candidates open to relocation, strict return-to-office policies still impact talent availability, especially in geographically competitive markets.
What This Means for You
The industry is evolving fast, and securing the right talent has never been more critical. If you’re facing hiring challenges or looking to strengthen your leadership team, I’d be happy to share insights on how top A+D companies are navigating this landscape.
Let’s connect — whether to discuss industry trends, talent strategy, or your specific needs.
About the Author
Aaron Griffin
Managing Director
agriffin@mbexec.com
310.560.9774
Aaron Griffin serves as a Managing Director at McDermott + Bull and is part of the firm’s Aviation, Aerospace, + Defense Practice, based in Los Angeles. He has over 10 years of experience in executive search, supporting clients in aviation, aerospace, and transportation with their most critical hires.
Aaron brings strong expertise leading searches on a global scale. His executive network encompasses the aerospace manufacturing supply chain, aviation airport services, and the wider transportation landscape, enabling him to provide world-class talent to his clients.
Originally from the U.K., Aaron currently resides in Los Angeles and is fluent in German. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sheffield and a Master of Arts in medical law and ethics from King’s College London. In his free time, Aaron can be found skiing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.