Co-founder of West Star Aviation, Robert Raspberry, has announced his retirement from the Illinois-based maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider.

Raspberry, who started the company after acquiring Premier Air Center in 2002, will stay on as chairman emeritus and serve as a senior advisor for West Star’s parent and investment firm Northwest Equity Partners, the company announced.

“I find much comfort and pride in knowing that I leave West Star in extremely capable hands. Many leadership decisions have been made over the past several years to prepare for this day, including appointing Rodger Renaud as COO as president and hiring an industry veteran, Jim Rankin, as CEO,” said Raspberry.