Anne Devilliers

International Sales Director

Dassault Aviation

Anne has held several positions within the DFJ Marketing Department.
In 2013, she was appointed DFJ Market Research Manager before moving back to France to head up Falcon marketing development.
Devilliers joined the Falcon sales team in 2016 as Sales Manager for Pre-owned Falcons and two years later became International Sales Manager for new aircraft.

A graduate of Montpellier Sup de Co Business School, Devilliers is steeped in Anglo-Saxon culture with more than a decade spent living in the United States.

David Dixon

President

Jetcraft Asia

As President of Jetcraft Asia since 2012, David Dixon is responsible for optimizing sales strategies and managing operations from Beijing to Sydney. A leading global authority on the private aviation sector, David has lived and worked in Asia in aircraft sales for more than 30 years, and has more than four decades of aerospace industry experience.

David joined Jetcraft following a long and successful career as Regional Vice President for Bombardier Business Aircraft. He was awarded the “Member of the Order of the British Empire” (MBE) distinction by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1977 for his contribution to British exports and is the former Vice Chairman of the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA).

David is originally from the UK and currently resides in Hong Kong.

Don Dwyer

Managing Partner

Guardian Jet

Don Dwyer, Guardian Jet’s co-managing partner, is particularly regarded for his extensive expertise on aircraft finance, asset management, fleet planning and aircraft sales.

He spent most of his career rising through ranks at the aircraft manufacturer, Hawker Beechcraft. As their Vice President of Global Sales, he led the entire sales team, had responsibility for $2 billion in revenue and oversaw the company’s international dealer network.
In 2010, Don Dwyer joined his brother, Michael, as co-managing partner of Guardian Jet. Since then, Guardian Jet has become one of the top three aircraft brokerage and consulting firms in the world.

An avid sailor, Don is also a 4,500-hour commercial pilot and certified flight instructor. He is the President of the Board of Challenge America, and is a former board member for Challenge Aspen, a world-renowned organization devoted to recreational therapy for all types of disabled persons.

Dave Edwards

CEO

The Air Charter Association

Dave’s career has taken him through all areas of the aviation industry, including flight operations, ground services and maintenance into senior executive roles with leading airlines and aviation companies.

He is Managing Partner of Windsor Capital LLP, a small investment fund operating mainly the aviation industry, including Synergy Aviation, Oaklands Global, Flying Support and Lazyriver Digital, as well as being a non-executive director of a number of companies, including Web Manuals International AB, the world’s leading aviation manuals digitizer. Alongside his own business interests, he is the part-time CEO of BACA – The Air Charter Association and a trustee of the aviation charity, fly2help.

Dave completed fifteen years with Gama Aviation plc as their Managing Director, Middle East and Asia and Group General Manager before moving to Qatar Airways’ Business Jet Division, Qatar Executive as Executive Vice President.

In 2010 he was elected as the youngest ever Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, in addition he is a member of the Royal Air Force Club, the Royal Aero Club, the Honourable Company of Air Pilots, the Air League and is a Freeman of the City of London. When not playing with aeroplanes he continues to pretend he can play both the trumpet and golf.

Marine Eugene

Managing Director - International Sales

Flexjet

Marine Eugène, the managing director of Flexjet in Europe, is an experienced aviation executive, with a proven track record in growing companies. Eugène joined NetJets Europe in 2002, when the company’s presence on the continent was at an embryonic stage. She was instrumental in orchestrating the expansion of NetJets’ sales organization after the economic crises of 2009 and 2011, successfully launching new fleets and program options. In 2011, Eugène became a member of NetJets’ European-wide executive leadership, with responsibility for the overall management of the company’s relations with senior executives and ultra-high net worth individuals.

Before that engagement, Eugène supported Sommet Education, the world’s most extensive and exclusive network of hospitality management institutions, as Director, Europe and the Middle East.

A French national who grew up in Le Havre in Normandy, Eugène has lived overseas for two decades, including in Shanghai, where she started her international career in 1999 with global logistics firm DB Schenker. She holds a degree from International Affairs College – Le Havre University. She currently resides in London, UK, with her family.

John Farrish

General Counsel

jetAVIVA

John joined jetAVIVA in 2016, where he combines his love of aviation and legal experience as VP of Transactions and General Counsel. In this role he quarterbacks the entire transaction process from “‘yes’ to close” for jetAVIVA clients. John and his team coordinate contracting, financing, insurance, mechanical inspections, maintenance programs, FAA, and escrow, simplifying the sale and purchase process for clients, including many first time jet owners. Approximately 300 aircraft transactions have been accomplished during John’s time at jetAVIVA, including dozens of international transactions.

Internally, John daily counsels jetAVIVA’s Sales Directors and the rest of the management team on business strategy and risk management.

Prior to joining jetAVIVA, he was a partner at a national law firm where he represented clients from small business owners to Fortune 500 companies in civil litigation, with rich legal experience in the fields aviation, maritime, EMS, and hospitality.

John graduated from Purdue University in 2004 with a B.S. in Management and earned a J.D. from University of Miami (FL) in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Georgia, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as various federal courts.

Alex Fecteau

Marketing Director

Boeing Business Jets

Captain Alex Fecteau is the Director of Marketing for Boeing Business Jets, a division of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Prior to his current position Captain Fecteau worked with airlines around the world in Boeing Commercial Airplane marketing, with a focus on flight deck technology, and Boeing technical product subject matter. Captain Fecteau earned his undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and Master of Science Degree in Mechanical engineering, followed by an extensive career as an F-15 instructor pilot in the US Air Force and pilot for 2 major US Airlines.

Alex has extensive experience working with customer flight operations departments, flight standards, training, and executive levels leadership. He has also worked with regulators worldwide for airplane systems certifications and performance based navigation operational approvals, and was an advisor to several EASA, ICAO, and FAA aviation rulemaking committees.

Philippe Fragniere

Managing Director

Exklusiv Aviation Services

Philippe Fragnière started his career in Business Aviation in 1994 at ALG Aeroleasing in Geneva and moved on years later to market the international business aviation activities of a large international charter broker. He joined in 2004 Exklusiv Aviation Services (Switzerland) SA to assist private aircraft owners, enabling him to further specialize in the supervision of high value flying assets as well as to direct the organisation of interim lifts and high value charter flights

Philippe and his colleagues priorities are service , transparency and flexibility . “When dealing with any situation at any time a solution will always be found for any issue that arises or is to be addressed”. “Experience and personal skills do prevail when dealing with enquiries or request for services in a fashion that is more than ever essential”.

Stephen Friedrich

CCO

Embraer

Steve Friedrich is the Chief Commercial Officer at Embraer Executive Jets, where he is responsible for the direct management of the global sales organization for new and pre-flown aircraft as well as the oversight of relationships with customers and industry collaborators. With more than 30 years of experience in the leasing and aerospace sectors, his wealth of experience spans across sales, marketing, finance, customer support and services and aftermarket programs.

Prior to joining Embraer, Steve led global sales efforts and marketing activities at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace Business Aviation as the company’s Vice President-Sales & Marketing. His previous banking and aviation finance experience includes key leadership positions as Vice President at Summit Bank of New Jersey and Assistant Vice President at United Jersey Bank.

Steve graduated with an A.B. in Economics & Business from Lafayette College and received his M.B.A. from the Stern School at New York University.

Marie-Laure Gassier

Senior Advisor, Executive Officer Jet & Yacht Finance,

BNP Paribas

Marie-Laure Gassier is Head of Business Jet financing for BNP Paribas, based in Geneva.

Marie-Laure is a senior finance professional with over 20 years of experience with BNP Paribas in France, Singapore and Switzerland.

Marie-Laure has successfully grown over the last 10 years the business jet financing franchise of the bank for clients private and corporate. Since 2016, BNPP has set up in Switzerland a new platform dedicated to business jets and yachts financing, in order to serve better UHNWI clients.
Based in Geneva, the team is dedicated to providing jets and yachts financing solutions with a bespoke approach to a wide range of private clients. The focus is on transactions from 10 MUSD onwards for new or pre-owned aircraft with a global approach.

BNP Paribas is a leading bank in the Eurozone with a well-recognized footprint in Aviation and Shipping finance globally. Since 1981, the aviation finance department originates, arranges and distributes all types of aircraft financing solutions. With a global exposure in excess of 10 Bn USD and a portfolio of more than 1000 aircraft, the group maintains a prime and leading position in the transportation sector.

Marie-Laure holds a Political Science diploma with major and economics and finance (Sciences Po) and a Master Degree in History from Sorbonne University. She is a regular contributor at some major corporate jets conferences and events.

Jack Gilchrist

Director & Shareholder

Gilchrist Aviation Law

Jack Gilchrist is the founding director and shareholder of Gilchrist Aviation Law, P.C., and heads the firm’s practice as special FAA and International Registry counsel with respect to transactions involving aircraft, engines, propellers and spare parts.

For almost 30 years Mr. Gilchrist has focused his career on aviation transactions, representing clients from all areas of the industry with regard to every current structure of aircraft and aircraft engine transaction. He has counseled clients around the world in aircraft transactions, including most of the major air carriers, aircraft and engine leasing companies, air cargo companies, corporations, banks and other lending institutions, as well as aircraft brokers, dealers and manufacturers. These transactions include the sale, purchase, lease and financing of large transport aircraft as well as business aircraft. He also counsels clients in connection with establishing and operating aircraft fractional ownership programs.

Mr. Gilchrist regularly assists clients in structuring transactions and working with pertinent documents with respect to their recordability with the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Records Branch, in Oklahoma City, and the registration of International Interests under the Cape Town Convention, Aviation Protocol. He regularly serves as special FAA and International Registry counsel to other law firms and companies in aviation matters.

Mr. Gilchrist is also a frequent lecturer and author in the areas of aircraft financing, registration and title law. He is the author of numerous articles regarding aviation title and registration law. He has served as a lecturer for organizations such as the American Bar Association, the Transportation Lawyers Association, International Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association.

Mr. Gilchrist serves on the Legal Advisory Panel to the Aviation Working Group under Unidroit, the management arm of the Cape Town Convention, Aviation Protocol. He is a member of the Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, Federal, American and International Bar Associations. He is also a member of the Business Law Section, the Aircraft Financing Subcommittee and the Forum on Air and Space Law of the American Bar Association, as well as the Association of Aircraft Title Lawyers, the American Transportation Lawyers Association and the FBA Transportation Law Section.

Edward Gross

Shareholder

Vedder Price

Edward Gross has 30 years of experience representing bank-affiliated and large, independent equipment financing companies in all aspects of equipment finance transactions, including documenting, structuring, negotiating, syndicating and enforcing these transactions.

Edward is considered an industry leader in business aircraft and helicopter finance. These transactions vary in structure and include tax and non-tax lease, operating lease and secured loan financing of managed and /or chartered aircraft, fleet aircraft and helicopters operated in various service capacities and engine pools, aircraft operated under fractional and “pay card” arrangements and progress payment, completion and other multi-funding structures. Clients include market-leading aircraft and helicopter financing providers, investors or operating lessors, as well as large publicly or privately held businesses, governmental entities or high-net-worth individual users. Many of these transactions involve foreign registered aircraft.

Todd Guelich

Senior Vice President

AssuredPartners Aerospace

Todd Guelich was initiated in the aviation insurance industry at USAIG. He worked for them as an underwriter in Dallas for his first five years out of college.

A pilot since 1973 he received his education from the U.S. Naval Academy and University of Kentucky. He is also an active member of NBAA, IFBOA, HAI and NATA. He has served on the NATA’s Air Charter Committee since 1992 and participates in lobbying congress on general aviation regulatory issues.

Todd believes that to understand the efficient placement of insurance products, you have to observe the operators and directly participate in the decision process when addressing risk through safety initiatives, contractual or waiver deferrals. For those who know him, his on-site operator visitation schedule often reaches 100 days per year. His participation includes the policy direction for all facets of flight (from 121 to 135) and ground servicing facilities throughout North America and dozens of international locations. Experienced in the insurance placement of non-U.S. citizen trustors, trustees and beneficiaries, Todd frequently assists in the multiple interpretation issues evoked by the interacting contractual relationships required by the variable parties.

Todd is the father of three teenagers which may also help explain his travel schedule.

Adam Hahn

Managing Director – Export Sales

Cirrus Aircraft Corporation

Adam Hahn has been with Cirrus Aircraft for 13 years and currently serves as the Managing Director of Cirrus Aircraft’s international network of sales professionals based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Cirrus Aircraft are sold and operated in more than 60 countries.

Adam is a third-generation aviator. Both his Father and Grandfather were Ag Pilots in the midwestern part of the US. He is a proud graduate of the University of North Dakota and holds Commercial, Instrument, CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings with more than 6,000 total hours of flying time. Adam is also type rated in the industry-changing Cirrus Vision Jet and regularly fly’s demo flights with potential buyers across the globe. Early in his career, Adam was recognized as one of Cirrus’ top sales representatives while based in Florida and then Texas. Adam then spent four years in the United Kingdom working in Cirrus’ Biggin Hill office managing our EAMEI sales team, eventually taking on his current role here in Tennessee. When he is not flying the Vision Jet, Adam can be found spending time with his wife Amy and their two young daughters.

Shawn Hall

Chief Commercial Officer Signature Aviation

Shawn is the Chief Commercial Officer for Signature Flight Support, with responsibilities over it’s global Sales, Marketing ,and Revenue Management departments, as well as driving strategic opportunities including joint ventures, investments, alliances, and new market initiatives.

Before taking the CCO role, Shawn oversaw strategy and business development for the Signature Aviation portfolio.

Before Signature Aviation, Shawn held the position of Associate Partner with McKinsey & Co., where he covered the aviation, logistics, and hospitality sectors. Additionally, Shawn served in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and Tactics Instructor Pilot in the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet.

Shawn holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in International Global Affairs from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategy from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

James Hardie

Principal Marketing Manager, ARINC Direct

Collins Aerospace

James Hardie is responsible for Collins Aerospace global marketing and strategic planning for ARINCDirect services.

ARINCDirect was established in the USA in 2003 to provide direct access for business jet operators to ARINC communication services. Additional services such as flight planning, were quickly established and continue to be developed. He took responsibility for the ARINCDirect business development in EMEA in early 2006 and subsequently in the Asia Pacific region.

Based in the UK, James joined ARINC in 2001 and has worked with various flight departments around the world providing and developing products and services to meet their needs. Now part of Collins Aerospace IMS division, he has been involved in various projects related to airline and business aircraft operations and communications. James also has a background as a pilot with a CPL(A) and military helicopter experience.

Hamish Harding

Chairman

Action Aviation

Hamish Harding is the Chairman of Action Aviation, an international aircraft brokerage company with a long history in the Middle East and Asia.
Action Aviation sold over US$ 200 million of pre-owned business jets in 2015, and Action Aviation has, in recent months, sold a number of business jets to Asian buyers, including a Boeing Business Jet and a Gulfstream G650ER.

Hamish is enthusiastic about the potential in the Asian market for preowned business jets, both for sales and acquisitions, and sees business aviation partnerships as the way forward to better cover the geographically largest continent.
Hamish originally gained a degree in Chemical Engineering from Cambridge University. From there he joined UK IT consultancy company Logica and was involved in information technology for the banking sector throughout the 1990s, operating as Regional Managing Director for Logica in the Middle East and later India.

Hamish has been a pilot for over 30 years and holds an Airline Transport Pilot with a number of jet type ratings, and is the holder of several FAI speed records in business jets. He was a commissioned officer in the British Territorial Army for 8 years, and enjoys scuba diving, skydiving, snow skiing, golf and spending time with his young family in Dubai.

Clay Healey

CEO

AIC Title Service

Clay Healey is the CEO of AIC Title Services.

Clay is a pioneer in the aviation services industry, leading technological innovation in the aviation services industry over the past 16 years. A seasoned pilot, Clay is licensed in the following: Cessna 525, Cessna 680, Pilatus PC-12, Baron G58, Cirrus SR22, BonanzaA36, Cessna 210. Cessna 172. and Grumman Tiger.

AIC is the global industry leader in aviation Title Services, Escrow, Document Filing, Lien Clearance, and International Registry filings. AIC is also the exclusive provider of title searches for AvSure, easing client access to aviation title insurance both domestically and internationally.

Customers can request title searches online, and complete escrow transactions all within the Aircraft Closing Room™, the only virtual aircraft closing platform in the industry. Additionally, the Closing Room™ is protected by Blockchain, making AIC’s customer data the most secure in the industry. AIC’s team of 40+ employees boasts over 600 years of aviation experience and completes over 15,000 title searches and 4,000 closings annually. AIC uses this experience to bring ease and speed to an Aircraft Closing.

Glen Heavens

Managing Director

Synergy Aviation

Glen is the MD of Synergy Aviation, the well-respected aircraft management company he founded in 2004. Synergy owns and manages a fleet of aircraft across Europe and the Middle East. The company retains its primary focus of managing business aircraft but also specialises in air ambulance, urgent cargo and special missions in war/conflict zones.

His aviation career started at Fairoaks Airport near London where he worked in flight training and air traffic control.
Alongside his involvement in Synergy Glen is one of three partners in a specialist investment company; with a growing portfolio of aviation businesses.

When away from the boardroom and not flying Glen likes nothing more than sailing or scuba diving.

David Hernandez

Shareholder

Vedder Price

David M. Hernandez is a Shareholder at Vedder Price and a member of the firm’s Global Transportation Finance team, whose performance led Vedder Price to be named Aviation 100 Law Firm of the Year 2015. In 2016, David was ranked Band 1 in Private Aircraft (Global-wide) in Chambers High Net Worth, which recognizes the world’s leading high net worth advisers.

David has considerable experience assisting clients with aircraft transactions, complex government investigations, aircraft, air carrier and part certifications, and enforcement matters (FAA and DOT violations, export controls, hazardous materials and drug/alcohol testing). He frequently advises clients on aircraft purchase/sale agreements, leases, fractional program documents, aircraft management agreements, aircraft use policies, cross-border transactions, personal use of company aircraft and regulatory (FAA, SEC and IRS) compliance. Mr. Hernandez represents a wide variety of clients, including public and private corporations, aerospace manufacturers and suppliers, airlines, defense contractors, airports, corporate flight departments, charter operators and high-net-worth individuals. Mr. Hernandez is also an active member of the National Business Aviation Association Tax Committee and Regulatory Issues Advisory Group.

Prior to joining Vedder Price, David was a prosecutor at the FAA as well as an honors attorney for the U.S. Department of Transportation. He also served in the Office of the Counsel to the President during the Clinton administration and was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.

Clive Jackson

Founder & CEO

Victor

A highly accomplished and experienced tech entrepreneur, Clive has always been at the forefront of the digital revolution. As a successful innovator of web services and e-commerce platforms, his unique blend of creative vision, technical knowledge and background in corporate finance has enabled him to profitably exploit opportunities across the automotive, technology, media and leisure sectors. Clive has a proven track record of CEO leadership across 15 successive companies and scaling businesses to 140 employees globally.

Clive’s first business venture was Global Beach which he founded in 1993 as one of the U.K.’s first digital design marketing agencies. As desktop PCs started to dominate the work place, Clive saw an opportunity to create a new type of comms agency that could design and build interactive multimedia presentations for B2B and B2C clients. With a corporate finance background, Clive studied C and C++ over an 18-month period to become one of the UK’s leading software programmers in his field, developing proprietary platform systems, from file compression, video play back, CRM and encryption to consumer e-commerce platforms. An impressive client portfolio included Bentley Motors, Financial Times, Mercedes Benz and SONY.

As a spin out from Global Beach, Clive founded Autotorq in 2001 to provided Software as a Service to leading automotive manufacturers and their franchises dealer network across 52 companies. Autotorq is a global top five automotive Web Services Company and clients included Aston Martin, Ford and Chevrolet.

In 2011, Clive launched on-demand private jet charter business Victor out of a frustration with the inconveniences of commercial air travel and the lack of transparency in the jet charter industry. Victor revolutionised jet charter with its on-demand, fully-transparent and subscription-free global marketplace. Clive has been continually committed to innovation since Victor’s inception, most recently launching an industry-first climate action campaign to set a sustainability benchmark in aviation in July 2019 and CEO initiative, Beyond Offset, to call other business leaders to set a similar standard for the own industry. Under Clive’s leadership, Victor grew rapidly and was listed in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100 (2015-2019), the Deloitte UK Tech Fast 50 (2016, 2017) and the FT 1000 (2017, 2018). Having achieved US$38 million in Series B funding in 2017, attracting significant investment from BP Ventures, Clive launched Alyssum Group in early 2018 and thereby re-positioned Victor as subsidiary of the group. Through major investment and acquisition Alyssum Group is creating a digital eco-system marketplace servicing the entire aviation community – customers, operators, brokers and suppliers. The group’s portfolio currently consists of Victor and leading aviation services and flight-planning business RocketRoute.

Paul Jebley

Managing Partner

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Paul serves as the managing partner of the Hong Kong office of Pillsbury Winthrop and as the co-head of the firm’s asset finance practice globally. In 2018 he was named by the prestigious Chambers & Partners as the top business aviation lawyer in world. He has closed over 250 deals, and also overseen numerous repossession, enforcement and other related litigious matters. He primarily serves as counsel ultra high-networth individuals and their business enterprises around the world. He is admitted to practice law in England & Wales, New York and Ontario.

Eric Jullien

Deputy Vice-President Commercial (Europe, CIS, The Americas)

Airbus Corporate Jets

Profile coming soon

Nicole Kappos

Director, Aftermarket Services

Pratt & Whitney Canada

With over 20 years of experience in the aerospace industry, Nicole Kappos has held numerous leadership roles at Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), and most recently is responsible for driving business growth and the continued strategic transformation of the aftermarket business. Nicole and her team continue to develop solutions for their customers while establishing relationships with key influencers within the aerospace industry to expand reach and support opportunities in the marketplace.

Nicole is Co-President of the Women’s Leadership Committee at P&WC and has organized several conferences jointly with other global companies. She is also a member of the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA). Nicole has also served as a panelist at the Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill University) and the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University).

Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Concordia University and an MBA from Queen’s University.

Vivek Kaushal

Chief Operating Officer

Global Jet Capital

Vivek Kaushal serves as Chief Operating Officer for Global Jet Capital. In this role, he leads the commercial customer facing activities, credit, valuation and operations functions at GJC. Vivek has nearly 30 years of leadership experience in various financing businesses and was the Chief Risk Officer for GE Capital Business Aviation Finance prior to its purchase by GJC. Vivek received an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

Edwin Kelly

Director

DCA Aruba

Ing. Edwin F. Kelly is the current acting Director of Department of the Civil Aviation of Aruba. He earned his Aeronautical Engineering degree in 1993 in The Netherlands and holds a degree in Aircraft Operations Science. He has also successfully completed the module “Aviation Law” at the Leiden University and the module “Air Transportation Science” at the Technical University of Delft.

In 2005 he graduated from the Aruban Pedagogical Academy, earning his qualifications as teacher on a high school level. He subsequently obtained his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Aruba.

Ing. Edwin F. Kelly worked at the Rijksluchtvaartdienst (Dutch CAA), prior to his tenure at the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba, where he has worked for over 20 years.
At the DCA, he started off as an Airworthiness Inspector and then moved on to become Manager of the Airworthiness & Registration Department and later formed part of the Management Team for 18 months, subsequently being appointed as the Director.
He was also part of the start up of the foreign aircraft registration project in 1995.

Ing. Edwin F. Kelly was part of the team that succeeded in obtaining FAA Category 1 rating for Aruba in 1996 and was part of different ICAO article 83bis negotiations.

Ing. Edwin F. Kelly is also a private pilot and aircraft accident investigator.
Besides Aviation he loves big-game fishing, diving, karting and triathlon.

Stuart Kirkwood

Sales Director

TAG Maintenance Services Farnborough – A Dassault Company

Stuart has over 30 years’ experience in Engineering and Maintenance in the Aviation Industry. Having started life as an Apprentice Engineer, he established a firm footing in Engineering principles through a wide range of activities. From his initial work as an Avionics Supervisor in the Middle East he has moved through various Supervision and Managerial roles having Management responsibility at various points for Line Maintenance, Base Maintenance, Contracted Maintenance (responsible for 3rd Party Maintenance and Repair Organisations (MRO) and Technical Support functions, while working in conjunction with Flight Operations and Operational Planning departments in a large UK airline.

Over the last 9 years Stuart has developed senior management roles in MRO sales for Business Aviation the latest 5 years as Sales Director within TAG Aviation group, based in Farnborough working in close conjunction with the wider TAG Network. The TAG MRO network is now part of the Dassault family.

Marwan Khalek

CEO

Gama Aviation

Following a management career in the manufacturing industry Marwan started Gama Aviation Ltd in 1983 in the UK with his business partner Stephen Wright. He has overseen the group’s expansion from its foundation to its current multinational status encompassing many varied markets and areas in the aviation industry. Marwan continues to take a very active and hands on role in all aspects of the group’s development and has also headed the group’s expansion into the US market.

Marwan is both Chairman of the British Business and General Aviation Association (BBGA) and a board member of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA).

Marwan holds an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence and occasionally flies the Beech 200.

Tobias Kleitman

President

TVPX

TVPX President, Tobias Kleitman, founded TVPX in 2002. TVPX has since brought together a team of experts who have earned a reputation for integrity, efficiency, confidentiality and security among aircraft owners and professionals worldwide. Each year, TVPX facilitates billions of dollars in aircraft owner trust transactions.

In 2018 TVPX expanded services by establishing a licensed US customs brokerage, DAR Support Services, and an aviation insurance brokerage. These new services integrate seamlessly with TVPX’s Owner Trust service to provide greater efficiencies and convenience to TVPX clients’ executing cross border aircraft transactions.

Tobias is the Treasurer for The National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA) and a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), is a licensed customs broker and a licensed insurance broker in 50 states. TVPX is also an active member of NARA, HAI, MBAA, EBAA, ISTAT, and the AsBAA.

Richard Koe

Managing Director

WINGX

WINGX, based in Germany and founded in 2011, provides Business Intelligence tools for the global private jet market.
These tools combine a wide range of market data and our customers’ own records, to create performance dashboards which highlight competitive positioning, support decision making and enhance business development.
Our customers span the entire industry supply chain, from airports, ground-handling companies, operators and manufacturers to industry investors and financial analysts.
Richard has a long track record of successful roles in generating sales, building business partnerships, and defining and implementing business strategy.
As well as his tenure in the business aviation industry, spanning investment, operations and sales, Richard has held senior roles in the consulting, telecom and manufacturing industries.
Richard holds a Batchelor’s degree from Oxford University and a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Philip Lamzin

Parter

DLA Piper Russia

Philip Lamzin is a Partner at DLA Piper advising clients on finance, commercial and regulatory legal matters with particular focus on transport (aviation and shipping) and infrastructure sectors. He is widely recognized as one of the leading aviation, shipping and asset finance lawyers on the Russian market, advising leading international and local leasing companies, banks, airlines and ship owners on complex aircraft and ship finance and leasing transactions. Philip also has extensive experience of advising private and corporate clients as well as financial institutions in connection with acquisition, operation and financing of private and corporate jets, helicopters and yachts. Philip is named among leading lawyers in Russia for transportation/aviation/shipping sectors by both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

Tobias Laps

Vice President – Sales,

Comlux

After graduating from the University of Stuttgart and the Georgia Institute of Technology both with a Masters Degree in Aerospace Engineering Tobias Laps started his career at Jet Aviation in Basel in aircraft completions in 1999 as an engineer.

Spending 5 years at Jet Aviation he was promoted to engineering project coordinator after only 6 months and Sales & Program Manager after 2.5 years selling various completion projects. After that he worked for 4 years at a subsidiary of Saab in Hamburg as a Branch Manager winning customers and growing the business significantly. He then was offered a job at ExecuJet in aircraft sales and later as a General Manager of the Berlin facility.

Before joining Comlux, Tobias was recruited as Head of Sales at RUAG in Munich in the area of business aircraft maintenance and refurbishment where he was able to secure large cabin modification and refurbishment projects. Tobias also holds a Private Pilot License since 20 years and is passionate about aviation. In November 2015 he joined Comlux as Sales Director and today he is Senior Vice President Sales worldwide for all Large VIP Aircraft transactions & interior completion projects.

Zoë Layden

Managing Director

Claveaux Consulting

Zoë Layden is a risk management expert with 29 years experience in the international insurance market. Zoë is Managing Director of Claveaux Consulting, working with an array of (re)insurance entities regarding aviation development as well as Aerospace industry companies needing support for their risk management and transfer needs.

Zoë believes in a holistic approach to risk. Managing the systemic risks facing an aviation business comprises many disciplines, not least of all the insurance purchase itself. Fascinated by global interfaces, she has forged a business helping others navigate the complexities of these interlinked aspects of our global infrastructure.

Prior to starting her own business she was broker relationship and Chief Underwriting Office Airline Director Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty. She was responsible for portfolio management and strategic direction of the airline practice underwritten in the four hubs, London, Paris, Munich and New York.

Zoë previously spent 16 years at Willis Ltd in London and New York where she held a number of key production and management roles. Originally from Boston, Zoë graduated from Tufts University and is also fluent in French.

Jeffrey Lowe

Managing Director

Asian Sky Group

Mr. Lowe has over 35 years of Engineering, Marketing and Sales experience in commercial and business aviation.

His most recent position is as Managing Director for Asian Sky Group & Asian Sky Media in Hong Kong. Asian Sky Group is the largest business aviation consulting group in the Asia-Pacific region with 30 employees & 6 offices. It focuses on both fixed and rotary aircraft and related aviation services. Asian Sky Media annually publishes 10 industry reports & magazines and offers a number of different marketing platforms for clients wishing to increase their brand awareness in the Asia-Pacific region.

Asian Sky Group & Media are both backed by SEACOR Capital (Asia) Limited and Avion Pacific Limited and both are designed to capitalize on their shareholder companies’ considerable investments and business development initiatives already in the Asia Pacific region.
Having resided in Hong Kong since 1997, Lowe specializes in the Greater China business aviation market.

He first came to Hong Kong as a Director of Sales for Asia-Pacific for the Bombardier Aerospace Business Aircraft Division. He was then appointed Regional Vice President of Sales for Asia by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in May 2000 where he was a top sales executive. In 2007 Lowe joined the recently formed BAA Jet Management Limited and was responsible for establishing and expanding its managed aircraft business plus aircraft sales, marketing and project development.
Prior to moving to Hong Kong, Lowe worked in commercial aviation for the de Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada, Boeing Canada, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the Canadair Regional Jet Division and Bombardier’s Regional Aircraft Division. Lowe began his career as a Ground Test Engineer and then moved into marketing and sales internationally in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Lowe earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1983. He is a Canadian native, married with 2 children.

Alan Mangels

Vice President of Sales & Marketing

Rolls-Royce

Alan Mangels was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and has always been passionate about aviation.

Alan re-joined Rolls-Royce in 2018 and is responsible for the marketing, sales, communications and account management of the Rolls-Royce CorporateCare® maintenance program world-wide and the general marketing function for Business Aviation. Alan began his career at Rolls-Royce back in 2004 in its Customer Business Leadership Development Program at the U.S. headquarters near Washington, D.C.

In 2006 Alan was assigned to RR’s global headquarters in Derby, England, where, as the representative of the U.S.-based sales team, he oversaw high-value sales proposals to sell aircraft engines within the Americas. He was promoted in 2007 to Sales Director for civil aircraft engines in Latin America, responsible for airline customers, including LAN (Chile), TAM (Brazil), and Avianca (Colombia). Based once again in the U.S., he sold over $5 billion worth of engines and service contracts. His team received an award from the CEO in recognition of its record sales year.

In 2008 Alan joined aircraft manufacturer Airbus’ Miami-based Latin America sales team. Responsible for sales to all the airlines in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay, he traveled frequently to meet with government officials and airline executives. He sold 100 aircraft, worth over $8 billion. Alan also coordinated the delivery of Red Cross relief supplies to the 2010 Chilean earthquake victims, utilizing a new aircraft scheduled for delivery to South America.

In 2012, Alan pursued a full-time MBA at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and also completed a second master’s degree in international studies at the Lauder Institute.

Before returning to Rolls-Royce in 2018, Alan worked for Mangels Industrial S.A. in Brazil as Commercial and Operations Director, reporting to the Board of Directors. Mangels Industrial S.A. is a publicly traded company producing manufactured steel and aluminum products. Main products include OEM aluminum alloy wheels for major car manufacturers and propane gas cylinders. Alan now serves as a non-executive board member of Mangels Industrial S.A.

Prior to working for Mangels Industrial S.A., Alan worked as a Senior Consultant for Deloitte Consulting based out of the Chicago office.

Alan also holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, is a native speaker of English and Portuguese and has gained fluency in Spanish through his extensive travel in Latin America. He enjoys surfing, scuba diving, soccer, tennis, Alpine skiing, fishing, and traveling. In 2008 he trekked to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and in 2013, climbed Mt. Cotopaxi.

Adel Mardini

President & CEO,

Jetex

Adel Mardini launched Jetex in Dubai in 2005, with the mission to create a one-of-a-kind company catering to the needs of high-profile clients in every aspect of private aviation. His business philosophy encompassed delivering individually tailored services, from the moment of departure all the way through to arrival at the client’s destination and beyond, providing a complete luxury travel solution every step of the way.

Today, Jetex serves an elite clientele through its extensive global network of FBOs and ground handling facilities in more than 30 countries worldwide, and employs over 300 staff. The company offers a comprehensive range of international trip planning, ground support and bespoke concierge services, all delivered with a high degree of flexibility and signature personal touch.

Mr. Mardini provides entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership, embodying the spirit of developing a deep understanding of Jetex’s clients, while constantly inspiring the Jetex team to exceed their own ambitions and capabilities. From humble roots through to global success, his visionary stewardship has been a decisive factor in the company’s continuous growth.

A board member of the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), Mr. Mardini played a key role in its development. This pioneering body was instrumental in starting a dialogue between airportoperators and the region’s governing authorities. MEBAA has helped shape local regulations to meet with international standards, as well as create extensive business opportunities in emerging markets.

Mr. Mardini is also an active member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a global community committed to a shared mission of becoming better leaders through lifelong learning and idea exchange.

A strong believer in corporate responsibility and giving back to the community, he is involved with numerous charitable activities, including fund raising for the Corporate Angel Network.

Arnaud Mares

Managing Director

Citi Research

Profile coming soon

Patrick Margetson-Rushmore

CEO

Luxaviation UK

Patrick is Chief Executive Officer and a founding principal of Luxaviation UK, formerly London Executive Aviation. The company is one of the largest business jet operators in Europe with a wide ranging offering of fleets from transatlantic capability to small, executive four-passenger light jets. Luxaviation UK has aircraft bases in the main UK airports and also Athens, Helsinki, Moscow , South of France and Paris. Its client base covers a broad spectrum, including the arts, entertainment and media sectors, as well as government work. The company has won “Best European Charter Operator in Europe” 5 times in the last 7 years.

Luxaviation UK is part of the Luxaviation Group, the 2nd largest operator of corporate aircraft in the world. The Group manages 270 aircraft under the most stringent safety standards and Luxaviation’s commercial fleet is operated under the regulatory umbrella of 14 regional civil aviation issued air-operating certificates (AOCs). Luxaviation manages 25 world-class FBO facilities and 15 maintenance centres worldwide, certified to work on most business jets. Luxaviation currently employs over 1,700 staff worldwide.

Patrick co-founded Luxaviation UK in 1996 with George Galanopoulos. They initially operated from a post-war hut in Stapleford with one pilot (George) and one propeller-powered aircraft. Patrick joined the aviation industry following a successful financial career in London during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Mark Masluch

Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Bombardier Aviation

Since 2016, Mark Masluch has led the Bombardier Aviation Public Affairs and Communications organization. Under his leadership, this worldwide team oversees Industry Affairs and advocacy, Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, Public & Media Relations and Employee & Customer Communications—all related to Bombardier’s leading portfolio of Learjet, Challenger and Global aircraft, a growing number of special-mission aircraft conversions, an evolving portfolio of aerostructures and engineering services, and an expanding global network of aircraft MRO and support locations.

Mr. Masluch represents Bombardier on the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) Environment Committee and the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Communications Council.
Over the past decade at Bombardier, Mr. Masluch has led communications and public affairs functions across a variety of business segments, with a heavy focus on community involvement, honing the company’s outreach to future generations of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Pilots and driving environmental stewardship through the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel—all while promoting Bombardier’s award-winning business jets and support services.

Mr. Masluch began his aerospace career as part of the communications team at Air Canada Vacations and then transitioned to aviation training leader CAE. He joined Bombardier in 2009 as part of the communications team dedicated to Bombardier’s Customer Experience network supporting business and commercial aircraft.

Based at Bombardier Aviation headquarters in Dorval, Quebec, Mr. Masluch holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal.

Steve McManus

Sales Director

GE Aviation

Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Steve is an educated engineer, master blackbelt, working sales professional with a strong background in private, business, and commercial aviation. Having more than 30 years of experience at GE in engineering, customer/product support and sales, Steve’s primary focus is business aviation engine and OnPoint sales and service on GE CF34, Passport and CFM engines powering Boeing Business Jets, Airbus Corporate Jets, Bombardier and Embraer Business Jets within his regions around the world.

As a pilot, Steve comes from a family of pilots and has enjoyed the pleasure and challenges of aircraft ownership as well.

Combining his 30+ years of professional experience with his passion for Aviation, Steve brings a firsthand understanding of business aircraft management and ownership to his customers.

Ashley Namihas

Regional Sales Director, Northern Europe

Textron Aviation

Profile coming soon

Aoife O'Sullivan

Partner

The Air Law Firm

Aoife specialises in private, corporate and commercial aviation, military aircraft and civil aerospace. She advises clients on aircraft finance and regulatory issues, including corporate structures, aircraft acquisitions and airline start-ups. She is internationally renowned for her work in aircraft finance. Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine named her as one of the top 10 leaders in business aviation in Europe. She is a member of the Board of Aerion Corporation Inc. which is developing a supersonic business jet and was a founding member of IIBN, a network of Irish entrepreneurs. She has acted as Chair of the European Business Aviation Association finance and leasing group.

Aoife has been independently nominated by her clients, contacts and peers for inclusion in all exclusive industry and legal guides for her work in aviation law and her contribution to the industry, including:
Chambers: notable and trusted practitioner in Aviation Finance
Legal 500: Finance
Euromoney’s “Women in Business”, and Expert Guides – Aviation
International Who’s Who of Aviation Finance Lawyers
Best Lawyers
Who’s Who Legal
Lawyers World – Leading Lawyer Awards

Aoife is regularly invited to speak at international aviation conferences and events. She writes for and has been quoted in all major leading publications including the Financial Times, BART, Fly Corporate, Airfinance Journal and Altitudes.
Aoife was admitted as a Solicitor in Ireland in 1997, England and Wales in 1997 and admitted to the Supreme Court of the Cayman Islands in 2002. Previous experience includes senior associate at Clifford Chance LLP and subsequently Head of Aircraft Finance at Gates and Partners LLP until merger with Kennedys Law LLP where she was head of Aircraft Finance. Aoife is one of the founding partners of The Air Law Firm LLP.

Bruce Parry

Senior Manager, Environment

European Business Aviation Association

Bruce Parry is an experienced in sustainability and environmental affairs professional and has worked in the aviation industry for twenty years. He is senior environment manager for the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and environment director for the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC). He represents business aviation on a variety levels including as the UN Observer at ICAO’s CAEP on behalf of IBAC.

Parry has gained experience through working for both Airbus and Bombardier and has a background in environmental engineering management, environmental factors in aircraft product development, corporate social responsibility and sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental quality and resource management from University of the West of England.

Tom Parsons

Low Carbon Commercial Development Manager

Air BP Limited

As commercial development manager for low carbon Tom is responsible for Air BP’s low carbon strategy, and the sourcing and supply of sustainable aviation fuel.

Tom joined BP as a research chemist in 2008, working on the development and scale-up of technologies including BP’s Fischer-Tropsch process.

He has since held business development and strategy roles in technology licensing, BP’s Fuels businesses and in Downstream commercial development. He also led BP’s Advanced Bio Products team at its inception before joining Air BP in 2017.

Tom holds a Master’s degree and D.Phil in Chemistry from the University of Oxford. Outside of work he enjoys coaching his son’s rugby team as well as playing the trumpet in a local jazz band.

James Person

Senior Director, Global Business Development and VVIP Aviation

Viasat

James Person joined Viasat in 2013, where he leads sales and business development in the Business and VVIP Aviation segment of the company, an area that Viasat has been active in for more than ten years, including both Ka and Ku-band networks.

Prior to Viasat, Mr. Person had general management, sales, and product management roles in high technology wireless and satellites communications companies. He began his career as a US Naval officer where he deployed during combat operations to the Middle East twice on a destroyer.

Mr. Person earned a BSEE degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an MBA in international marketing from the University of Southern California (USC).

John Peterson

Director, Product Marketing

Honeywell

John Peterson is the leader of the Honeywell Connected Enterprise’s (HCE) software and services portfolio. The portfolio includes a global offering of innovative enterprise software solutions, cabin services and connectivity enabling products that are simplifying the end-to-end solutions that are connecting aircrafts and passengers. Since launch of GoDirect cabin services in November of 2016, John rapidly grew the business from non-existent to the second largest provider of cabin services in the bizjet market beating 20 year incumbants in the space. John drove and integrated agile scale development process that consistently releases updates and new offerings every 8-15 weeks making GoDirect an innovation leader in connectivity enablers. Using this model HCE was able to launch the GoDirect router wich is 70% less expensive, 60% smaller and 50% lighter than any other product in the market while delivering the broadest software options in the market. John has driven the Honeywell enterprise software platform to become aviations largest and most sophisticated data lake serving airline and defense markets with the broadest offering of efficiency, optimization, maintenance and safety analytics.

Prior to Honeywell, John was Director of Product Marketing at Satcom Direct and Rockwell Collins. At Satcom Direct the portfolio of hardware and services was $180M and grew at 25%. At Rockwell Collins the portfolio included commercial products in BGA/ATR markets, $1.3B at 9% CAGR.

John has a BSME from University of Arizona, Masters of Engineering Management from Washington State and EMBA from University of Iowa.

Ettore Poggi

Group FBO Director

ExecuJet

Ettore Poggi holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Witwatersrand University, South Africa, with
majors in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as a Management Diploma from
UCT Business School.
Beginning his working life as an IT specialist at one of the country’s start up IT companies. Ettore
remained with the company for 21 years in the positions of Systems Engineer, National
Engineering Manager, Product Manager, National Sales Manager and in 1988, he was appointed
as the Regional Chief Executive. During his career with the company, the company became largest
IT solutions provider in the country with branches in Europe and a listing on the Johannesburg
stock exchange.

Ettore was appointed as the Managing Director of ExecuJet South Africa in February 2003. Under
his leadership, ExecuJet South Africa evolved into the leading aviation organisation in Africa,
offering a complete business aviation service, including new aircraft sales, flight operations, aircraft
management, maintenance and Fixed Base Operation services.
In 2007 Ettore was appointed as
Director of ExecuJet Aviation Nigeria and was instrumental in setting up the facility in Lagos.
In November 2016 he accepted the role as Group FBO Director with responsibility to grow the
ExecuJet/Luxaviation FBO network.
After a 3-year stay in the Middle East, Ettore is President of Luxaviation Group’s Fixed Based
Operations and has made England his home base. The FBO network has grown to 26 FBOs
located in 5 continents, and is a member of Paragon Aviation, extending the FBO network by an
additional 29 USA and Caribbean based FBOs.

Ettore is also a member of the European Business Aviation Association Advocacy committee.

Brian Proctor

President & CEO

Mente Group

Brian Proctor is a founder and President of Mente Group, LLC and has been serving private aviation clients for 10 years. Having been involved in over $3.5 billion in aircraft transactions and over $5 billion in aviation business planning, Brian’s experience is sought by corporations and individuals, worldwide.

After serving for six years in the US Army as an infantry Ranger and intelligence officer, Brian left the military to pursue a career in the private sector. After working at Transamerica Corporation, Mr. Proctor served as consultant, COO and President of CAAP and later Leading Edge.

Brian serves on several industry boards and is involved with the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. He holds a BA degree in International Studies in Politics and Diplomacy from the University of Richmond and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

Tanya Raynes

Non-Executive Director

Pula Aviation

Tanya graduated from Bristol University with a BSc(Hons) in Psychology and then began her career with Pricewaterhouse Coopers in London, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1996. After qualifying, Tanya went on to gain significant experience within insolvency and then Corporate Finance, across a wide range of industries, projects and high-profile clients.
Tanya relocated from London to Sydney, Australia in 2000, joining the Commercial Real Estate team within GE Capital (a division of the large conglomerate General Electric) as Associate Director, responsible for structured debt financing and asset management of a diverse portfolio of commercial property. In 2003 Tanya became the P&L leader for a US$1bn book of loans acquired from a major bank, then returned to the UK in 2005 as Risk Operations Leader for Europe. Tanya’s roles with GE provided broad leadership and transactional experience, with a focus on operational excellence, business transformation and delivery of financial targets.

In 2012, Tanya joined Centreline as Finance Director, moving into the role of COO shortly after. Tanya was appointed CEO in 2014, to lead and drive the growth and diversification of Centreline’s business streams (Charter & Management, FBO, MRO, ATO), including the sale of the group in 2016 to Guernsey based family office, Pula Ltd. After the change of ownership, Tanya remained as CEO and Accountable Manager for Centreline to ensure continued profitable growth of the business.
Most recently, Tanya has assumed the position of non-executive Chair for Pula Aviation Services Ltd, the aviation division of the Pula group that is tasked with the growth and diversification of its aviation businesses, to provide customers with full-service business aviation acquisition, ownership, management and operational solutions.

Philippe Renz

Attorney-at-law

Renz & Partners (Switzerland)

Philippe Renz is a Swiss attorney-at-law and the founder of Renz & Partners, a boutique law firm specialising in aviation and sports. Before founding the firm, Philippe practiced for several years as a lawyer and prosecutor at the Federal Office of Civil Aviation of Switzerland, then in aviation law firms in London and Geneva.

Philippe specialises in aviation regulation and litigation. He advises its clients on all matters relating to national and international aviation regulations and assists them with respect to civil, administrative and criminal matters relating to aviation. He also advises them in all matters relating to the sale, purchase, lease, holding, operation and maintenance of aircraft, and assists them in the negotiation of their contracts.

Philippe attends regularly international conferences and seminars as guest speaker.

Shuaib Shahid

Director, Global Sales

Gogo Business Aviation

After completing his Masters in Space Mission Analysis and Design, Shuaib started his career in Madrid, Spain designing satellite augmented landing systems for aircraft. He returned home to the United Kingdom to help launch Inmarsat’s SwiftBroadband service and ran the business aviation portfolio for a further five years. Currently, Shuaib works for Gogo Business Aviation as their Director for Global Sales where his team is responsible for Airtime sales for the Inmarsat and Iridium networks, as well as hardware sales outside North America.

Mike Silvestro

CEO

Flexjet

Michael Silvestro is the chief executive officer of Flexjet, a global leader in fractional private jet travel.

Now the fractional private jet industry’s longest-tenured CEO, Silvestro began his aviation career at Flight Options in 2000, which his former Notre Dame roommate Kenn Ricci had founded in 1998. Silvestro served Flight Options as Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 2000 to 2005, helping to pioneer the company’s approach of selling fractional shares in refurbished as well as new aircraft. During his tenure, he helped to build Flight Options into the industry’s second-ranked company, with more than 200 aircraft and several thousand fractional and jet card customers.

Silvestro left Flight Options after Raytheon Travel Air’s investment that ultimately led to its acquiring majority control of the company. Silvestro held a senior position with fractional provider CitationShares from 2005-08.

In 2008, Silvestro was named CEO of Flight Options upon its being re-acquired by Ricci’s Directional Aviation. On top of needing to re-build an enterprise that was neglected by previous ownership, the bottom fell out during the financial crisis, with flight activity dropping 35 percent in just a few months, followed by a period of contraction for the private aviation industry.

Forced to innovate, Silvestro managed through two very conflicting initiatives – scale back the business and do more with less. At the same time, Silvestro understood how important it was to continue to provide customers with exceptional levels of service.

Silvestro not only helped keep Flight Options alive during the recession of 2008-09, but, through steady leadership, positioned it to return to a state of growth faster than its peers. By the first quarter of 2011, Flight Options saw a 467 percent increase in fractional jet sales and a 46 percent increase in jet card sales during that year’s first quarter, compared to the same period in the previous year. This was part of four consecutive years of improved financial results since Silvestro became Flight Options’ CEO. At the close of 2012, Flight Options saw sales increase 30 percent year over year, with a 70 percent increase in sales to owners who left a competing brand.

During this period, Flight Options became the launch customer for the Embraer Phenom 300 light jet as well as the Nextant 400XT, the world’s first remanufactured business jet. Both aircraft were perfect for this period of guarded capital deployment and economic recovery, as they were the most capable in their class with the industry’s lowest acquisition and operating costs.

By 2013, Silvestro had Flight Options on such a track of stability and growth that its owner, Ricci’s Directional Aviation, acquired fractional pioneer Flexjet from Bombardier, eventually merging it with Flight Options. Once again, Ricci turned to Silvestro and his steady hand, making him CEO of the new combined enterprise that would move forward under the Flexjet banner. Since then, Silvestro has overseen the rebranding of Flexjet as the industry’s most refined and Owner-centric fractional provider, invested billions in new aircraft with an emphasis on large-cabin models – turning Flexjet into a truly global operator – and launched premium offering Red Label with features never before seen in the fractional private jet industry such as dedicated crews and the LXi Cabin Collection of artisan aircraft interiors.

Jim Simpson

Managing Director, Aviation & Marine Finance

First Republic Bank

Jim joined First Republic Bank in March 2006 in his current position as Managing Director of Aviation & Marine Finance. Since joining, Jim has built a team that has originated, closed, and funded over half a ($US) billion in aviation and marine secured transactions for First Republic Bank’s high net worth clients. Because of the focus on understanding the client’s business and alternative asset categories, Jim and his team customize the transactions that suit their clients’ specific needs.

Prior to joining First Republic Bank, he was a regional manager for Bank of America Equipment Finance and Leasing where he managed team of 14 professionals and support staff located throughout the Western United States. While at Bank of America, he worked on a variety of aviation finance transactions for its commercial airline and corporate clients.

Jim is a pilot who began flying aircraft in high school. He graduated from Boston University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Richard Smith

Director-General of Civil Aviation

Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands

Paul Henry ‘Richard’ Smith has over 40 years in the aviation industry, with experience in both the private and public sectors of the industry; he is a venerable veteran who is well known through the Caribbean region and internationally. His career has been spent working with Civil Aviation Authority (CAACI) of the Cayman Islands with attachments and secondments to international training organizations and a stint with the national flag carrier – Cayman Airways, Ltd., as a pilot.

The following is a history of his training and qualifications to date:
 Joined the Cayman Islands Civil Aviation Department July 1976 as trainee Air Traffic Controller. Attended the Air Traffic Control Training Centre in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles and qualified as an Air Traffic Controller in 1977.
 Appointed as Operations Officer in February 1982.
 Attended FAA Academy, Oklahoma, USA in February 1983 and received certification in Airport Systems and Airport Master Planning.
 Obtained FAA Private Pilot Licence, July 1983 from Sowell Aviation, Panama City, Florida.
 Attended Cranfield College of Aeronautics in 1987 and received certification in Aircraft Accident Investigation Course.
 Obtained FAA Commercial Pilot Licence, July 1988 from Flight Safety International, Vero Beach, Florida.
 Attended Transport Canada Training Institute in 1989 and received certification in Aviation Inspector and Enforcement.
2
 Attended the International Aviation Management Training Institute, Montreal, Canada in 1990 and received certification in Advanced Airport Management.
 Qualified as First Officer on the B737-200 aircraft in 1993 and flew with Cayman Airways until 1996.
 Appointed Director of Civil Aviation in October 1995.
 February 2003 appointed to the Board of Directors of Air Safety Support International (subsidiary of the UK CAA).
 December 14, 2004 inducted to the Royal Aeronautical Society as ‘Fellow’ with the designation FRAeS.
 Jan 2005 he received the Queens Certificate and Badge of Honour for his tireless efforts during and after Hurricane Ivan.
 June 2008 he was named as a recipient of the Member of the British Empire (MBE) award by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Stuart Jack at the Queen’s Birthday celebrations.

He actively participates and is involved in board meetings. In addition, he was nominated to the Board of Directors of the Air Safety Support Inc (ASSI) in February 2003 and served until 2009. ASSI is a subsidiary company created by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) to facilitate the UK Government’s obligations to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regarding the safety oversight of civil aviation in the UK’s Overseas Territories (OT’s).

Mr. Smith is the country’s foremost aviation official with authority delegated by Her Excellency the Governor.

Oliver Stone

Managing Director

Colibri Aircraft

Oliver is the managing director for Colibri Aircraft Ltd., a private aircraft brokerage and advisory firm based in London.

Oliver started with Colibri Aircraft in 2011, after spending the previous 8 years managing the brokerage and advisory unit for a firm in the United States. His focus has been on the international arena, selling and purchasing aircraft for clients as well as advising lenders on asset value protection and repossessions.

Having bought and sold aircraft for customers in Asia, South America, Europe, the Middle East and the US, he has a first-hand perspective on different cultures and their approach to private aviation, as well as the demand for such aircraft around the world.

Michael Swann

Director of Airworthiness

Bermunda Civil Aviation Authority

Michael Swann is the Director of Airworthiness with the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority.
Michael leads the Airworthiness teams in Bermuda, UK, Russia and China, ensuring the compliant airworthiness certification and continuing airworthiness oversight of the 900+ aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Register.

Michael previously held senior safety and compliance roles with Cobham and AJW and prior to these, enjoyed 15 years with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, as both surveyor and airworthiness manager, through a period of significant market growth and regulatory change.

Michael’s early career began with the Royal Air Force, as a Halton Apprentice and McDonnel Douglas F4-II Technician and took him on to, British Airways as a base maintenance certifying engineer on Boeing 747 aircraft, before developing his regulatory knowledge with UK Civil Aviation Authority.
In addition to his maintenance engineering and regulatory background, Michael is an MSG-3 and Maintenance Review Board specialist, he is also NEBOSH qualified and an ISO lead auditor.
Michael lives in the south of England, has a young family and enjoys sailing and cycling.

Oliver Tebbit

Partner

Watson Farley Williams

Oliver is a partner in the aviation group.

Oliver’s practice has a primary focus on aviation finance matters, providing advice to equipment financiers, airlines, owners and operators on all types of cross border transaction structures.

He is experienced in documenting, negotiating and executing aircraft and engine financing, leasing and trading transactions, and has advised clients that together represent the full range of industry participants on transactions concerning all classes of commercial and business aircraft.

Oliver is notably active in the corporate jet market, where he has a strong practice representing financiers, high net-worth individuals and operators.

Oliver is recommended as a leading aviation finance lawyer by legal directories Chambers HNW, Legal 500 EMEA Who’s Who Legal and Euromoney’s Guide to Aviation Lawyers, as well as by Corporate Jet Investor magazine. Most recently, Chambers reported that he is “very much a known entity and an established participant in the private aviation sector” and that “he is absolutely a go-to in the Middle East. He is knowledgeable, understands the market and understands how people operate in the region. His focus on that means that he is able to answer complex questions quickly”.

He regularly presents at industry conferences, seminars and client training events.

Adam Twidell

CEO

PrivateFly

Adam is CEO and co-founder of private jet booking platform, PrivateFly. He began his career as a pilot – first for 10 years with the British Royal Air Force, then moving into private aviation with NetJets – before launching PrivateFly in 2008.

PrivateFly is a fast-growing, global marketplace for private jet charter. Via its European head office in St Albans, UK and US office in Fort Lauderdale, it offers an expert 24-hour Flight Team, combined with significantly enhanced efficiency via technology. This gives transparent, better and faster pricing for the customer; and an improved marketing channel for aircraft operators.

PrivateFly was one of the first companies to receive the industry’s best practice accreditation, Argus Certified Broker status, in May 2016 and Adam and his team continue to strive for greater efficiencies and innovations at every stage of the private charter booking process.

Adam is a high-profile and passionate spokesperson for the business aviation industry, a council member of industry body BACA and the chair of the EBAA (European Business Aviation Association) broker sub-committee. He remains an active pilot, flying the Citation XLS+.

Simon Tyrie

Senior Manager – Sales & Marketing

Qatar Executive

Profile coming soon

Ed Underwood

President

Avsurance Corporation

Ed Underwood, president of Avsurance Corporation, and vice president and risk manager of Avfuel Corporation, has been in the aviation insurance industry since 1980. He holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter designation conferred in 1984 and the Certified Insurance Counselor designation conferred in 1995. Underwood received a bachelor’s degree from Colby College.
Prior to his appointment as president of Avsurance Corporation in 1991, Underwood was vice president of the Rockwood Company in Chicago, Illinois.

Avsurance Corporation is a specialty Aviation Insurance Broker and a wholly owned subsidiary of Avfuel Corporation.
Avsurance is licensed in all 50 states and places coverage for more than 300 aviation accounts throughout the world. The agency practice includes Part 121 cargo operators, Part 135 fleets, fixed based operators, maintenance facilities, component part manufacturers and more than 200 turbine Part 91 aircraft. Specializing in US registered foreign-owned aircraft.

Ford von Weise

Global Head of Aircraft Finance

Citi Private Bank

Mr. von Weise is currently a Director and Global Head of the Aircraft Finance Group at Citi Private Bank. The group provides private aircraft financing solutions to individual ultra high net worth clients and their companies throughout the world.

Mr. von Weise’s responsibilities and roles while at Citi have included loan origination, product program management, reporting and workouts. The group focuses on transactions typically in the range of $10 to $50 million.

Mr. von Weise has over fourteen years of business aviation experience most recently serving as Vice President of Business Aviation Finance for Merrill Lynch Capital. Prior to Merrill Lynch, he worked for GMAC Commercial Finance in the same capacity. His expertise covers a wide range of corporate and personal aircraft both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining GMAC, Mr. von Weise was Vice President of Capital Transactions at Lend Lease Real Estate investments, where he was responsible for the recapitalization and workout of large multi-family properties throughout the U.S.

Mr. von Weise is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Aircraft Finance Association and was appointed by the Boards of Selectmen from the Massachusetts towns of Concord, Lincoln, Bedford and Lexington as a commission member of the Hanscom Field Advisory Commission. He is also a past board member of the Massachusetts Business Aviation Association and a local volunteer representative for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He is also an instrument rated pilot, aircraft owner, and a pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. von Weise has also appeared on the Discovery Channel as an aviation expert in the Celebrity Crash Files, J.F.K., Jr, documentary series. He is also currently a member of the Board of Advisors for Brown Aviation Lease.

Mr. von Weise holds an undergraduate degree, cum laude, in Environmental Studies and History from the University of Vermont.

Ryan Waguespack

Vice-President

National Air Transportation Association (NATA)

Ryan Waguespack joined the staff of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) as Vice President of Aircraft Management, Air Charter Services and MROs in November 2018. A long-time supporter of the aviation business community and NATA, Ryan Waguespack served as the Chair of NATA’s WorkForce Development Committee and Illegal Charter Task Force, as well as Vice Chair of the Air Charter Committee as an association member. As Vice President, Ryan leads the Association and industry effort to combat illegal charter, working with the FAA and its Field Offices to educate the public on the risks, assisting the FAA in enforcement through data collection and reporting, and leveraging existing data sources to help the agency focus enforcement efforts.

Previously, he served in various operational roles for charter management companies, as well as aircraft sales, working closely with clients to educate them throughout the purchasing process and help them attain the best aviation solution for their needs. Prior to NATA, Waguespack held the position of Vice President of Business Development of Summit Aviation.

Waguespack is the founder of the Alabama Business Aviation Association, an organization dedicated to promoting the value of business aviation throughout the state, educating stakeholders on the value of business aircraft and community airports, and advocating on behalf of aviation businesses.

A staunch champion for promoting aviation workforce development, Ryan travels the country to speak at industry events dedicated to reaching the next generation of pilots, maintainers and business aviation leaders. He is also a frequent guest lecturer at universities nationwide, including Auburn University in the Harbert College of Business, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Dubuque. Through Waguespack’s community-building initiatives at the universities, he is working to develop channels to connect rising students with aviation businesses.

Ryan is a recreational pilot who lives in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Amanda and two children.

Don Walsh

Senior Vice President,

Stonebriar Commercial Finance

Don Walsh is currently Senior Vice President of Originations for Stonebriar Commercial Finance, Business Aviation, the company’s global business aviation financing platform.

Don joined Stonebriar from Guggenheim Partners, where he was most recently a Managing Director and oversaw new transaction origination activity for Guggenheim’s Business Aircraft Investments group. He brings over 25 years of experience in the business aviation finance industry, previously originating transactions at US Bank Equipment Finance, Key Equipment Finance and Boeing Capital Corporation. He joined Boeing Capital following the merger between The Boeing Company and McDonnell Douglas Corporation. He previously worked at McDonnell Douglas Finance Corporation as an Asset Manager, responsible for the company’s portfolio of business aircraft operating leases. Prior to joining McDonnell Douglas Finance, he worked at Equitable Life Leasing Corporation as a lease manager. Don received a BS from University of the Pacific and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Richard Weeks

Director of Safety & Compliance

NetJets

Richard Weeks has over 35 years’experience as a pilot. He had a 16-year career with the Royal Air Force in various roles, including as an instructor and instrument rating examiner. He was also an instructor at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training School in Texas, USA. He returned to No. 32 (The Royal) Squadron where he spent his last years with the RAF running the pilot training programme for the Royal Squadron.

He joined NetJets in 2002 as Director of Training and Standards for the NetJets AOC. He was also Head of Training for the NetJets Type Rating Training Organisation; in that role he was an instructor and examiner on the Hawker 125.

He is now Director of Safety and Compliance responsible for managing the NetJets safety management system to identify hazards, manage the associated risks, and make recommendations to increase the safety performance and culture of NetJets Europe. He is also responsible for managing the compliance monitoring programme in order to ensure that all NetJets operations are performed safely and in compliance with the Company, national, and international regulations.

Emily Williams

Co-founder

IW Aviation

Emily spent a decade at NetJets Europe, laterally as Board Sales Director, and 5 years ago co founded IW Aviation – a totally independent private aviation advisory firm working with individuals and businesses worldwide on their private aviation options. The firm provide bespoke contract and flight management and also advise on the selection, purchase and ongoing operation of whole aircraft for those clients where ownership is the right solution.

As an experienced Managing Director in aviation, finance and across lifestyle brands, she has vast experience in strategic planning and long term business analytics, delivering multiple Berkshire Hathaway 10 year plan reports and combines this experience with detailed knowledge of all aspects of the aviation market, including operations and manufacturers.

Simon Williams

Director of Civil Aviation

Isle of Man Aircraft Registry

Simon Williams has successfully held a number of challenging senior operational & staff appointments. He has operated as Aircraft Commander, Training Captain, Qualified Helicopter Tactics Instructor, Instrument Rating Examiner and has flown a wide variety of aircraft including Royal Air Force Search & Rescue Sea Kings, Special Operations Pumas and civil Boeing 757s & Boeing 767s, most recently for British Airways.

During 5 years at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, he developed a very broad safety portfolio which saw him chairing groups at national & international level. These groups were focused on delivering tangible safety benefits whilst working closely with a diverse cross section of the civil aviation industry. Towards the end of that tenure he increasingly devoted much of his time to working in ‘Safety Partnership’ with the business aviation community.

In his current role as Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) he is leading & managing a large multi-disciplinary internationally-based team and is directly responsible for a multi-million pound budget. The breadth & depth of the DCA role is significant and includes: leading & managing the world’s 6th largest international private/corporate business aviation aircraft registry; regulating civil aviation, airspace & airport activity on behalf of the Isle of Man Government with direct accountability to the UK Department for Transport & the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Safety with Service is our ethos.

I strongly believe that it is vital to look after people as a fundamental first principle. Why? Primarily, because it is the decent human thing to do. Secondly, if we look after our people, our people look after most everything else. I strive to ensure that each and every individual feels trusted, empowered and valued and so grows as a person/professional; team performance is also boosted as a consequence.

Graham Williamson

CEO

Sonas Aviation

Graham is the Founder and CEO of Sonas Aviation, a corporate aircraft management company based in Ireland using the newly created “EJ” registry with an Irish Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Having formed and outstanding launch team, with complimentary skills and a proven track record in their fields, Sonas will deliver unrivalled customer service, safety and operational excellence.
The company will be uniquely placed to capitalize on the possible impact of Brexit and will provided peace of mind for clients seeking predictable solutions for current and future assets.

Until recently Graham was the President responsible for Aircraft Management and Charter Operations for one of the World’s leading Business Aviation Operators. He joined the company in November 2005 as Director of Operations and was later promoted to Managing Director of the newly formed UK entity with additional responsibility for Flight and Ground Operations across Europe. He was subsequently promoted to President Europe in 2009 and in his 14 years with this operator he grew the core business from less than 10 managed aircraft to more than 90 along with helping to create Operations in Hong Kong, Bahrain and Malta.

Prior to joining this company, he was the CEO of a start-up airline in India and in a 35-year career has held Executive posts in airlines in central Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

He is a member of the EBAA Board of Governors and has been an Accountable Manager for several Airlines and operators.