Kenn Ricci, also known as Kenneth C. Ricci, is a well-known American aviation entrepreneur and investor. He is best recognized for building and leading several major companies in the private aviation industry. Over many years, he has played a key role in shaping modern private jet services, aircraft management, and fractional ownership programs in the United States and beyond.
Early Life and Background
Kenn Ricci was born on September 3, 1956, in the United States. As of 2026, he is 69 years old. He grew up in Ohio, where he developed an early interest in aviation, business, and leadership. His fascination with flying started at a young age and later became the foundation of his professional life.
He is an American citizen and comes from a Western (European-American) ethnic background. While he keeps many personal details private, his upbringing and education clearly played an important role in his long-term success.
Education
Kenn Ricci attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was part of the Air Force ROTC program. He later went on to study law and earned a degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. His combined background in aviation, leadership training, and law gave him a strong advantage in building and managing complex businesses.
Career and Business Success
Kenn Ricci began his career in aviation in the early 1980s. He founded his first aircraft management company and gradually expanded into larger ventures. Over time, he became the principal leader behind Directional Aviation Capital, a private investment firm focused on aviation and aerospace businesses.
Through Directional Aviation Capital, Ricci helped grow and manage several major aviation companies, including private jet ownership, charter services, aircraft management, and aircraft remanufacturing businesses. His companies operate large fleets of private aircraft and serve high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and global clients.
Ricci is known for his long-term vision. Rather than focusing on short-term profits, he invested in building stable aviation brands, improving aircraft quality, and expanding customer services. His leadership helped modernize private aviation and make fractional jet ownership more widely accepted.
In addition to being a businessman, Kenn Ricci is also an experienced pilot with thousands of flight hours. His personal understanding of aviation has influenced many of his business decisions.
Net Worth
Kenn Ricci’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. However, based on the size of his companies, long-term investments, and leadership role in private aviation, his estimated net worth is believed to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
His wealth comes from:
- Ownership stakes in private aviation companies
- Long-term business investments
- Aircraft and aviation-related assets
- Executive leadership and strategic deals
Because most of his businesses are privately held, there is no confirmed public figure for his net worth, but industry observers widely regard him as a very wealthy entrepreneur.
Wife and Marriage
Kenn Ricci is married to Pamela Ricci. The couple has been together for many years and is known for maintaining a relatively private family life. Pamela has been involved alongside her husband in charitable and philanthropic efforts.
Children
Kenn and Pamela Ricci have three children. One of their sons, Austin, has cystic fibrosis. This personal experience strongly influenced the family’s involvement in medical research and charitable giving. The Ricci family has supported health research, education, and community programs over the years.
Religion
Kenn Ricci has not publicly stated his religious beliefs. There is no confirmed information about his religion, and he has chosen to keep this aspect of his life private. His public image focuses more on business leadership, aviation, and philanthropy rather than religious identity.
Ethnicity and Nationality
Kenn Ricci is American by nationality and of Western European descent. He was born and raised in the United States and has spent his entire career building American-based and global aviation businesses.
Philanthropy and Giving
Beyond business, Kenn Ricci is known for his strong commitment to philanthropy. He and his family have made large donations to education, medical research, and aviation-related programs. One of his most notable contributions includes a major donation to his alma mater, supporting long-term educational development.
His charitable work often focuses on:
- Higher education
- Medical research
- Aviation training and workforce development
- Programs that support people with health challenges
Legacy and Influence
Today, Kenn Ricci is considered one of the most influential figures in modern private aviation. His work has helped shape how private jet services operate and how customers access business aviation. He continues to serve as a business leader, advisor, and investor, while his companies remain active across the aviation industry.
Kenn Ricci’s legacy is defined by long-term thinking, disciplined leadership, and a deep passion for aviation. His influence continues to be felt through the companies he built, the people he mentored, and the industries he helped grow.