Business aviation people on the move

Business aviation appointments have continued going into the fourth quarter despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This month saw Mente Group, Global Jet Capital, ARGUS, Jet Support Services Inc (JSSI) and Inflite The Jet Centre (ITJC) all make senior appointments including to director and vice president roles.

ARGUS International has hired Mike McCready as senior vice president of operations and business development. McCready brings 25 years of experience in aviation to his role at the company. “I am truly looking forward to bringing the same aviation innovation to this established industry leader,” McCready said. “I am excited to become a key contributor to the growth of ARGUS.”

“Mike is known for creating a groundwork of safety and service while ensuring customer needs are fulfilled,” said Joe Moeggenberg, CEO of ARGUS International. “Using data-driven analytics to improve business efficiency while focusing on customer service is why we are very excited to welcome Mike to our team at ARGUS.”

JSSI has appointed Pascale Barhouch as director of business development for the Middle East and India. The firm said Barhouch will be based in Dubai where she will oversee managing strategic sales and support plans in the region.

Outgoing director Gregory Olympios, said: “I can’t think of a more qualified person to pass the torch to. I have no doubt Pascale will do an exceptional job supporting the many valued customers I had the pleasure of working with for so many years.”

London Stansted Airport-based ITJC has appointed Sebastien Albouy as general manager of its MRO business. Albouy has over 20 years’ experience in the aviation industry and was the general manager of Embraer’s first Executive Jets Service Centre at Paris Le Bourget Airport.

“Sebastien brings a whole new skillset to our evolving business and we are delighted he has joined our organisation,” said Penny Stephens, CEO, ITJC. “He has a proven pedigree having gained a wealth of experience during a varied international career in MRO disciplines.”

Global Jet Capital has a new head of asset management following the in-house appointment of Tom Mekis. He previously served as senior aircraft sales director for the company since 2015. Mekis’ new role includes the company’s asset management strategy, monitoring aircraft in the company’s portfolio and redeploying post-lease aircraft.

“Tom’s extensive experience in all areas of business aviation, along with his intimate knowledge of Global Jet Capital, make him a perfect fit for this critical role” said Vivek Kaushal, President and chief operations officer Global Jet Capital. “It’s a natural step forward for Tom and we’re excited to see him take it on.”

Mente Group has named Jamie Buff as its new director of technical services. Buff is an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate holder with more than 20 years’ experience in aviation. He previously held maintenance positions for organisations including Coca-Cola, Nike, and Cessna, beginning his career as a B-52H bomber dedicated crew chief in the US Air Force.

“Jamie Buff brings an extraordinary aircraft maintenance skill set to our consulting company,” said Mente Group President and CEO Brian Proctor. “I have been impressed with the professionalism and expertise with which he advises clients and works with our team to broaden its capabilities.”

New appointments – at a glance 

• Mike McCready | Senior VP, operations and business development | ARGUS International
• Pascale Barhouch | Director of business development, Middle East and India | JSSI
• Sebastien Albouy | General manager, MRO | Inflite The Jet Centre 
• Tom Mekis | Head of asset management | Global Jet Capital 
• Jamie Buff | Director of technical services | Mente Group