SPEAKERS

Director
ABIAX AIR AVIATION

Gustavo is the Director of Abiax Air Aviation. Before co-founding Abiax Air in 2008, he was the Director of Strategy at the Latin American Airline Association, but also worked developing aviation projects for Canadian government. Before joining the aviation industry he held senior and CEO positions in the financial and insurance sectors within Latin America. Gustavo holds an MBA in Aviation Management from Concordia University, Montreal, a diploma in Sustainable Tourism and a degree in Business Administration. He teaches Evaluation of Investment Projects and Aviation Economics for Latin American civil aviation authorities. A writer, he has also participated in conferences as a speaker, moderator and chairman, and has attended more than 100 aviation and airport events.

VP Business Development
ABOMIS
Chief Operating Officer
AGI

Results-oriented, data-driven executive with extensive cargo and airport operations. Winning record of leading business through dynamic changes and challenging situations. Sets vision and strategy, driving financial performance and customer satisfaction. Proven history of evolving companies into powerful, innovative market leaders. Leads by example to foster integrity and accountability. Builds talented leadership teams and performance-driven, collaborative workplace culture.

Chief Executive Officer
AGI

As the CEO of Alliance Ground International, Airport Terminal Services, Cargo Force, and TCSC, I have over three decades of experience in the air freight industry, leading four of the most respected and trusted names in the market. I have a BA from Florida State University and a strong background in air freight. I oversee the operations, strategy, and growth of these businesses, which provide air cargo and aircraft ground handling services to clients across the US and internationally. I am passionate about delivering high-quality, efficient, and reliable services to our customers, while fostering a culture of teamwork, safety, and innovation among our employees. I am always looking for new opportunities to expand our network, diversify our offerings, and leverage technology to improve our performance and customer satisfaction. My mission is to maintain our reputation and excellence in the air freight industry and to create value for our stakeholders.

Senior Director Customer Experience and Operations
AIR CANADA

Bilingual Director - English / Spanish - with demonstrated excellence in a multitude of sectors. 20 + years of experience within the aviation industry, skilled in Aviation Management, Airports & Ground Handling Operations, Commercial Aviation, Safety Management Systems, as well as Strategic Planning, Procurement, and Contractual Negotiations. Highly effective operations leader with vast experience in PnL management, process improvement, and customer experience management.

Director of GSE & Maintenance
AIR CANADA
Director, Strategic Procurement
AIR CANADA

My role at Air Canada is to develop disciplined sourcing initiatives, guide a team of procurement professionals on their execution, as well as manage supplier relationships and closely track their performance. Specialties: Leadership, Team Management, Procurement, Supplier Relationship Management, Vendor Performance Management, Negotiations, Cost Reduction Initiatives, Financial Planning & Analysis, Management Accounting, Plan of Purchase Development, Airside Services, Transportation & Logistics.

Senior Director Operations - Latin America & Caribbean
Air Canada

Currently, managing the performance of 99 Int’l Airports worldwide. Dealing with their Above And Below The Wing KPIs and all customer related metrics. Monitoring system wide results for NPS, PAWOB, Customer Surveys, D0 and other OTP metrics. Experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the airlines/aviation/ hospitality industry. Skilled in Customer Service, Operations and Performance Leadership , Airports, In-Flight Operations, and Auditing (Safety and Quality Assurance). Strong operation professional with a 25 years of experience worked for 3 major airlines.

Regional VP Americas
AURRIGO

Accomplished sales executive and enterprise account management professional with 20+ years of experience achieving and contributing to successful results in organizations in various sectors, nationally and internationally. Outstanding ability to design, develop, manage and oversee client experiences, from event management to project management, and stakeholder engagement. Expert strategic planner who provides creative, client-focused solutions to complex business problems. An exceptional team leader and player, recognized for excellent organizational and communication skills.

Managing Director & Owner
BERGFELDER CONSULTING & TRAINING

Christian has gained extensive experience in the 28 years being in the Aviation industry and open to further support in multiple ways. He filled several Senior Management positions, with a strong focus on SGHA Contracting as well as Ground Handling & Cargo Operations. Most recently as Senior Director Airside @DHL Express Europe or prior as Station Manager in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Cologne for Swissport International. Christian also supports IATA as an Instructor for different Ground Ops Courses and is a member of the IATA Cargo Handling Council, IATA GOS Team Training, as well as served as a long-term Member & Chair of the IATA AGSA

Senior Consultant
Damarel Systems

Join us at Damarel as we showcase the latest generation of the FiNDnet Suite—an enterprise-level turnaround management, service capture, and billing solution. Whether you're a small operation or a global ground handler, FiNDnet offers a class-leading solution used worldwide to seamlessly coordinate, monitor, and enhance all aspects of airport operations. It comprehensively addresses your operational and business processes and leverages automation to drive cost reduction, performance enhancement, and revenue growth.

Join us to see how the latest version features a complete mobility solution for SLA monitoring and event timings, ensuring that FiNDnet empowers you to deliver unparalleled service.

FiNDnet. Your workforce, connected.

Managing Director
DBD COMMUNICATIONS

David has been working in RF and microwave technologies since 1979. The Army enabled David’s growth as a system engineer in many applications and he became specialised in installations for communications and sensor devices. In 1994 he moved to a business development role for Rhode and Schwarz, securing defence and commercial contracts. David then joined BAE Systems, as Head of Sales of Airborne Communication Systems. During this time, David supported the integration of secure communications on various helicopters. A spell as a Director of a component manufacturer served as the impetus to the establishment of dBD Communications in 2002.

Senior Consultant, Leadership & Organisational Development
DESIREE PEREZ COACHING & CONSULTING

Desiree is a recognised expert in the aviation industry for her work with leadership teams and individuals on leadership and professional development. Prior to her 16 years in aviation, Desiree lived in Argentina, then Germany, before being relocated to the US in 2011. Desiree served as a senior leader in the aviation industry on a global level, leading multicultural customer excellence teams for some of the most recognised airlines, airports and service providers. During that time she witnessed first-hand the importance of leadership development. Desiree currently speaks on the importance of leadership development in an ever-changing aviation environment, with an increased focus on profitability, customer service and safety.

CEO, Brazil
dnata

Phil has over three decades of international aviation exposure and is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Safety & Quality Control Manager
dnata
President
GAC AVIATION SERVICES & CONSULTING

Max has been a fixture in operations, safety, auditing, training and the airports world for more than 30 years, having worked for major Canadian carriers like Air Canada and Canadian Airlines. He has also worked with several major ground handlers and with the Greater Toronto Airport Authority in its Emergency Planning department. Max's experience in safety, auditing, station management, adult education and international airport operations have all contributed to his present roles. Max was the Chairman of both the IGOM Task Force and the ISAGO Oversight council since their inception until 2018, leading the development of the next generation ISAGO model. He is the president of GAC Aviation Services & Consulting, they are dedicated to delivering solutions to improve Ground Operations in the aviation industry, with a focus on safety, compliance and operational excellence.

Lead ISAGO Auditor & Operations Manager
GAC AVIATION SERVICES & CONSULTING
Associate Director Ground Operations
GREATER TORONTO AIRPORT AUTHORITY

Larry describes himself as a seasoned aviation professional, with close to 40 years of aviation industry experience, ranging from aircraft manufacturing to time spent with US legacy carriers. He has also been involved in ground handling and worked with a Canadian charter airline. He is now employed at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, operating Canada's largest airport.

Director of Energy & Environment
GREATER TORONTO AIRPORTS AUTHORITY

A senior business risk and sustainability professional with a proven ability to deliver practical solutions to complex business issues. Diverse practical experience including environment, engineering, accounting, internal audit and project management that allows me to not only see the big picture but to communicate and work effectively with specialists across all business functions at all levels from operations to C-suite executives. Over the course of my career I have done substantial work in both industry and consulting with public and private sector organizations ranging from venture start-ups and local NPOs to Fortune 500 companies and large government organizations.

Portfolio Director & Conference Chairman
Ground Handling International

Max joined GHI in 2017 after launching and hosting conference and award events in the UK manufacturing industry. A trained journalist, Max strives to deliver innovative content on stage, online or in print that challenges, educates and entertains. As a non-aviation professional - Max is always eager to don the hi-vis jacket and get out on the apron to experience the everyday challenges facing ground handling businesses and their airline customers. Max graduated as a biochemist from Cardiff University in 2001. He became a NUJ/NCTJ accredited journalist in 2003. Max went on to an award-winning 14 year editorial career including stints at magazines in the UK pub, pharmacy and manufacturing sectors. Outside of work - Max is never far from a book, the fridge or the 5-a-side football pitch.

Strategic Account Manager
MALLAGHAN

Luke Brown has been selling GSE for over 5 years, including the last 2 with Mallaghan. He has worked with many customers across the globe to find the right solutions for PRM passengers at each unique airport operation. Prior to selling GSE, Brown sold tickets for professional sports teams where he was tasked with finding the best possible seats for people with reduced mobility. Although his industry has changed over time, the goal to provide access for people with reduced mobility has remained the same.

Senior Vice President – Commercial and Business Development
MENZIES AVIATION

Raul joined Menzies Aviation early in 2020 as SVP Commercial Operations and is leading the sales and operational growth for the group in the Americas. Prior to joining Menzies, Raul had a five year career with Swissport International in a number of roles including VP Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, as well as leading the Cargo Handling Division for Swissport in Latin America. Before he joined the aviation industry, Raul had a 20-year career in supply chain management in strategic roles with companies such as Panalpina, SONY, and IBM, working from different locations including Colombia, Canada, Thailand, and the US.

Senior Sales Manager, New Technology Products
OSHKOSH AEROTECH
Business Development Representative, North America
Ozion Airport Software
Senior Solutions Architect
Ozion Airport Software

A keen interest in aligning technology with corporate objectives. Software solution consultant at Ozion Airport Software. Based in France delivering software solutions to Handlers, Airlines and Airports to improve operational processes and margins true predictive, real-time and post operation analytics. Ultimately transforming Data into operational intelligence with easy to use tools.

VP, Safety & Ops Support
PRIMEFLIGHT AVIATION SERVICES

Corporate safety and training leader with over 20 years of aviation, safety and training experience. Dependable leader who believes strong teams help a company grow and are crucial to the success of the organization's mission. Certified instructor with instructional design, curriculum development, and evaluation of training experience with a strong background in customer service relations and aviation. Quick-learner and self-starter who actively seeks additional responsibilities.

CEO/Founder
RAMPER INNOVATIONS

Tim spent 38 years as a ramp service agent. Seeing far too many of his fellow ramp agents get injured and suffering injuries himself he decided that there had to be an affordable better way to do the job. What he came up with is TISABAS, an affordable compact, folding motorized conveyor that makes agents' jobs safer, easier and saves the airlines money.

CEO
Sensus Aero

Executive Leader with over 23 years of experience in Technologies, Innovation and Change management at Global Business (Banking, FinTech, R&D and Innovation). Non Executive Director, Investor. Driven by GROWTH of Business, People and Technology. Personal values - Openness, Integrity and Stewardship. "Whenever you think you can or you can't, you are right" - Henry Ford.

Chairman of the Board of Directors
Servicios Aeroportuarios Andinos (SAASA)

Carlos Vargas Loret de Mola, Economist of Universidad Del Pacífico, with studies at Harvard Business School, Wharton University of Pennsylvania and PAD Escuela de Dirección de la Universidad de Piura. Actually, CEO of Andino Investment Holding S.A.A. and Chairman of the Board of Director of the following companies that provide logistic, maritime and infrastructure services in Peru: Servicios Aeroportuarios Andinos, Andino Capital Sociedad Gestora de Fondos de Inversión, Cosmos Agencia Marítima, Infinia Operador Logístico, Inmobiliaria Terrano, Operadora Portuaria, Multilog, Almacenes Financieros, Triton Trading, Servicios Aeroportuarios Andinos, among others.

Senior Director Airports
SPIRIT AIRLINES

With a demonstrated track record of integrating tools and processes, I possess a history of implementing initiatives to optimize revenue, workflow, and people development consistently. Among my many talents, are an ability to lead large teams in seamlessly creating, planning, organizing, and executing marketing techniques to generate sales. By utilizing strategically agile approach, I am able to leverage my insights to cultivate long-lasting relations with other airlines, vendors, stakeholders, and government agencies. My reputation as a goal-oriented project leader with expertise in tactical communication, launch of new programs, and customer satisfaction through expanding and improving guest experience is demonstrated in my current role.

Vice President Fleet, North America
SWISSPORT
Director – Sales
TEXTRON GSE

Started career in the GSE industry in 1995 as a sales representative for TUG Manufacturing having its facility located in Kennesaw GA US, With a focus on both bag tractors and beltloaders within my early career I worked within the North American sector learning and understanding not only the customer and supplier relationship of the industry but also the many opportunities and challenges of the ramp operation. Our company grew over the years and broadened the product line offering to include both airstarts and pushbacks. Responsibilities grew and over the years I have learned the GSE industry from a Global standpoint. Currently manage a team covering the Globe and representing the Textron GSE brands including a broad product line up of Towbarless pushbacks and deicers units.

Executive VP Sales & Services
TLD

As executive vice president for TLD America, Jeff is responsible for leading the sales, service and spare parts groups within the US and Canada. TLD is the global market leader in equipment design, assembly, distribution and after sales support for airport ground support equipment. Jeff’s organization supports these functions with in North America, specifically focusing on both commercial aviation and cargo industries throughout the region. With the largest breadth of electric products, TLD is focused on advancing the industry and supporting greener and leaner aviation solutions. As innovation and efficiency lead the future of aviation, Jeff is charged with driving TLD’s technologically advanced “Future Ready” ground support equipment into the marketplace. Serving as a board member of IAEMA (Int’l Airport Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) Jeff joins in supporting the aviation industry and driving common initiatives on a global scale. Prior to TLD, he spent 17 years with Textron working in various sales and leadership capacities building his broad industrial background and experience. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University. He currently resides in Connecticut with his wife and two sons.

Group Chief Operating Officer
TLD

Executive with a track record of building world-class industrial businesses of ~$500M. Over 10 years experience in the Energy sector, running both Equipment & Services P&L’s. Led teams through large transformations… scale-up of fast-growth operations, new product introductions, turnaround situations and post-merger integrations. International profile - lived & worked in 6 countries.

CEO
TRACTEASY

Global Executive with 25 years of leadership, a solid engineering foundation, deep and broad business acumen and a strong track record in transforming, growing and operating diverse global product lines, functions and business segments.

President & CEO
TSAS BY AVJET

In addition of being the President and CEO of Avjet since 2009, Denis is also one of its shareholders. He has more than 30 years of experience in aviation. He held various positions at Air Transat before being appointed President and CEO for five years. He has also served on CATSA's Board of Directors for the same period of time. Over the course of his career Denis has supported several organisations by providing them with advice of all kinds during the different phases of their business development, whether it be through advice on management, market development or in the context of transactions. Denis has a degree in Administration and Accounting and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors programme at McGill University.

Head of Procurement
UNIFI
Chief Technology Officer
VIGGO

The whole aviation adventure all started out working on the Ramp of Eindhoven Airport whilst studying at the Technical University of Eindhoven. After gaining broad operational experience in the various Viggo daughter companies, I was able to combine an engineering approach and tacit operational insights with a hands on mentality. The Viggo Holding welcomed me into the Managment Team to further develop IT tools that make airport service processes more efficient & effective and better suited for a modern workforce. These tools become so professional, that Viggo started a technology and consulting spin out named Smart Solutions by Viggo. Today as the CTO of Smart Solutions by Viggo, I am is keen on solving puzzles taking into consideration both the human factor & organisational impact of automation and innovation with a team of enthusiastic and multiskilled solution providers. As a happy father of my son, I try to divide my time between my family, work and long distance cycling. No challenge is big enough, both in cycling and in aviation puzzles :)

Regional Sales Manager
XCED AVIATION SERVICES