Bryan Bedford is young, focused and ready to shift the regional jet world into a totally different universe.
As chairman, president and chief executive of Republic Airways Holdings, Bedford believes the industry is in transition and is trying to diversify Republic with its acquisitions of Midwest and Frontier airlines.
“We can sit here and do nothing, or we can change the paradigm for our company,” the 47-year-old said.
Bedford, who earns a $450,000 salary with total compensation of $2 million, said he tries “to give people and companies the tools they need to succeed.”
Helane Becker, a transportation research analyst at Jesup & Lamont, has known Bedford for a long time.
“He’s all about three things: improving value to shareholders first and foremost, making money, and running a safe, reliable airline,” Becker said.
Bedford is so busy growing his business that “he isn’t as participatory as some CEOs,” said Roland Dorson, president of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.
But that means jobs, something civic leaders can appreciate.
“He’s a dynamic leader, and he’s clear about his business model. He’s very focused,” Dorson said.
Bedford came to Republic Airways in 1999, growing the company from one major airline partner and a handful of planes to contracting with seven major carriers and a fleet of more than 200.
Prior to Republic, he was chief executive of Mesaba Airlines, a regional service that is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.
A licensed pilot, Bedford also appreciates the industry from that point of view. He has hopped around Colorado’s high country on business and for skiing.
The Florida native said his proudest achievements are his 19-year marriage to wife Maria and their eight children, ages 1 to 16.
