5th Americas GHI Conference Programme

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.

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.

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.

Javier graduated as an administrative industrial engineer from Universidad Santa Maria La antigua of Panama, with a Master of Arts in Business Administration from INCAE, Costa Rica. He has managerial experience in the areas of projects administration, banking and insurance and airports administration. From 2003 to 2010 he worked for Tocumen International Airport in Panama, as Strategical Planning Manager. Since 2010 he has held the position of Director General of Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean. Javier is the administrative officer, representing more than 60 airport operators in the region. His responsibilities are focused on the development of activities that defend the interests of the airports, and on the creation of programmes and services that promote excellence in airport management

Ruben started his career in Avianca as the Commercial and Airports Chief at Avianca Services. In this role he looked after the commercial and operational issues relating to airport services for Avianca Services customers. In August 2015 Ruben was promoted to Ground Operations Manager for the Bogota hub. In this position he was responsible for all the below the wing operations for Avianca, with a scope of 250 daily flights and 2,000 staff members. In 2017 Ruben assumed the post of Ground Operations Director, taking responsibility for all the below the wing operations (both in house and outsourced) of the network. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Ruben holds a Business Administration degree, has a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Logistics and Operations; he has also accrued extensive training on related matters.

James is an airline professional with over 25 years of experience in airport business, which includes operations, contracts, facilities and security. He has extensive international experience and currently oversees 40 airports in 23 countries for Aeromexico.

Olga is a Senior Manager at American Airlines, Airport Purchasing for Hubs & Spokes stations. Originally from Minsk, Belarus, she gained an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the Belarusian State University and worked in the market research sector prior to moving to the US. Olga joined American Airlines in 2007, after completing her MBA in Marketing and Supply Chain at the NC State University. She began as as a Commodity Manager with the Aircraft Interiors (Tech Ops) Purchasing group, where she managed IFE content, soft goods, galley inserts and several seat programmes, before moving on to the Field Services Purchasing group in 2011. Since then she has held several roles within the Purchasing group, supporting airports and cargo services within the US and internationally. She led a team through bankruptcy, service outsourcing, merger-related integration planning and contract consolidation and, most recently, a variety of customer improvement projects.

Ricardo has a BSc in Computer Science and a Master’s in Finance from the Universidad de los Andes, Bogota. At the beginning of his career he worked as a software engineer for financial institutions. Between 1990 and 1998 he was project leader in software design and programming for Pensions Fund Management companies in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. In 1998 Ricardo joined the family ground handling business in Colombia (Desacol) as Financial Manager. In 2002 he started up (with Panamanian partners) the Balboa Logistics & Airport Services ground handling company at Tocumen airport. In 2013 Desacol was acquired by Menzies Aviation and between 2013–2014 he was VP for Menzies Aviation Colombia. Since 2015 he has been focussed on the growth and consolidation of BLAS in Panama.

Ruben started his career in Avianca as the Commercial and Airports Chief at Avianca Services. In this role he looked after the commercial and operational issues relating to airport services for Avianca Services customers. In August 2015 Ruben was promoted to Ground Operations Manager for the Bogota hub. In this position he was responsible for all the below the wing operations for Avianca, with a scope of 250 daily flights and 2,000 staff members. In 2017 Ruben assumed the post of Ground Operations Director, taking responsibility for all the below the wing operations (both in house and outsourced) of the network. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, Ruben holds a Business Administration degree, has a Master's in Business Administration and a Master's in Logistics and Operations; he has also accrued extensive training on related matters.

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 18 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.

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.

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.

A chemical engineer, Luis has a vast experience in commercial and technical aviation fuel and has successfully led ALTA since October 2017. Prior to joining ALTA, Luis served as World Fuel Services’ Vice President Supply Development for Latin America and the Caribbean, where he was in charge of improving World Fuel’s aviation fuel business in the region.  For ten years he served IATA, leading fuel and airport campaigns with governments, oil companies, fuel service providers and airports for the Americas, Africa and the Middle East regions, whilst being based in Switzerland. Additionally, he spent 12 years at Shell companies with a focus on Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Europe, being based in Brazil and The Netherlands.   Luis has a postgraduate degree in Finance from the University of São Paulo, an MBA from Dom Cabral Foundation in São Paulo and a Post MBA qualification from Kellogg University in Chicago.

Javier graduated as an administrative industrial engineer from Universidad Santa Maria La antigua of Panama, with a Master of Arts in Business Administration from INCAE, Costa Rica. He has managerial experience in the areas of projects administration, banking and insurance and airports administration. From 2003 to 2010 he worked for Tocumen International Airport in Panama, as Strategical Planning Manager. Since 2010 he has held the position of Director General of Airports Council International Latin America and the Caribbean. Javier is the administrative officer, representing more than 60 airport operators in the region. His responsibilities are focused on the development of activities that defend the interests of the airports, and on the creation of programmes and services that promote excellence in airport management

Hugo is the Founder and CEO of Mapiex Group. He has more than 40 years of experience in aviation and was formerly a commercial pilot for Chitreana de Aviación, Aeroperlas and INAIR. Hugo holds a degree in Agronomy from the Universidad de Panamá, a Pilot’s Certificate from the Escuela de Aeronáutica Civil de Panamá and an Air Transport Pilot's Licence, as well as having benefited from complementary education in both aviation and management.

Olga is a Senior Manager at American Airlines, Airport Purchasing for Hubs & Spokes stations. Originally from Minsk, Belarus, she gained an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the Belarusian State University and worked in the market research sector prior to moving to the US. Olga joined American Airlines in 2007, after completing her MBA in Marketing and Supply Chain at the NC State University. She began as as a Commodity Manager with the Aircraft Interiors (Tech Ops) Purchasing group, where she managed IFE content, soft goods, galley inserts and several seat programmes, before moving on to the Field Services Purchasing group in 2011. Since then she has held several roles within the Purchasing group, supporting airports and cargo services within the US and internationally. She led a team through bankruptcy, service outsourcing, merger-related integration planning and contract consolidation and, most recently, a variety of customer improvement projects.

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 18 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.

Ricardo has a BSc in Computer Science and a Master’s in Finance from the Universidad de los Andes, Bogota. At the beginning of his career he worked as a software engineer for financial institutions. Between 1990 and 1998 he was project leader in software design and programming for Pensions Fund Management companies in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. In 1998 Ricardo joined the family ground handling business in Colombia (Desacol) as Financial Manager. In 2002 he started up (with Panamanian partners) the Balboa Logistics & Airport Services ground handling company at Tocumen airport. In 2013 Desacol was acquired by Menzies Aviation and between 2013–2014 he was VP for Menzies Aviation Colombia. Since 2015 he has been focussed on the growth and consolidation of BLAS in Panama.

Xavier serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Eulen America. He has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of business development, general management, acquisitions and expansion into new business markets. Prior to joining Eulen America, he held different positions of responsibility in North America, including CEO in the Division of Industrial Services of Trabede Group, Vice President of Development-International Division of Areas Group Spain and CEO in Areas USA. Xavier has a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Barcelona and an MBA from IESE Business School.

Steve is an experienced and widely acknowledged aviation professional noted for his work in operational and financial efficiency. His extensive knowledge and understanding of airport operations and ground handling matters span 20 years, having held management positions with low cost carriers including Go Fly, Ryanair and Sterling Airlines, as well as full service carriers Qatar Airways and Brussels Airlines. Steve also spent several years working for Copenhagen airport, which gave him an alternative operational perspective of facilities. Most recently Steve has been extending his assistance to airlines and airports on a consultancy basis through Global Travel Matters, a company he established three years ago. During Steve's unique and varied history he has driven many operational improvements, through process engineering and change management. These programmes have included vital levers such as insourcing and outsourcing of ground handling activities, cost reduction strategies, resource optimisation, performance development and digital and self-service deployment projects.

Adriano is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. His knowledge extends through customer service, ground operations, airport development and airport infrastructure in Brazil. His main areas of focus are those of continuous improvement and people management.

Ricardo has a BSc in Computer Science and a Master’s in Finance from the Universidad de los Andes, Bogota. At the beginning of his career he worked as a software engineer for financial institutions. Between 1990 and 1998 he was project leader in software design and programming for Pensions Fund Management companies in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. In 1998 Ricardo joined the family ground handling business in Colombia (Desacol) as Financial Manager. In 2002 he started up (with Panamanian partners) the Balboa Logistics & Airport Services ground handling company at Tocumen airport. In 2013 Desacol was acquired by Menzies Aviation and between 2013–2014 he was VP for Menzies Aviation Colombia. Since 2015 he has been focussed on the growth and consolidation of BLAS in Panama.

Paul graduated in Business Administration and Law school, with a specialisation in Aeronautical Law. He has a Private Pilot's licence, is a polygraph examiner and auditor of security management systems, and has been in the aviation industry for 18 years, fulfilling executive functions in both airlines and in ground handling. Currently he is acting General Operations Director for Servair and World Ground Services in the Dominican Republic.

Vladimir started his career at Sheremetyevo International airport, later working for Aeroflot in management positions in both the headquarters and abroad. He then worked for ICAO as Director of Air Transport and Director - Planning and Global Co-ordination. Vladimir subsequently became VP of the Volga-Dnepr Group, with responsibility for relations with international organisations and governments. He has featured in the list of the Top 1,000 Russian managers, ranking in the top five in the category “Government and Industry Relations – Transport”.

Martin graduated as an Aeronautical Engineer and holds an MBA from Buenos Aires University. He has 15 years of experience in airport management, having worked for Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 in both Operations Planning and Airport Development areas. Since 2013 he has served as Corporative Operations Manager for AA2000, leading the Operations Planning area that serves a network of 37 airports in Argentina.

Barbara is primarily engaged in strategic business planning and economic analysis for airlines and airports. Prior to joining ICF, she worked for Aeromexico Airlines in network planning. Barbara has extensive experience in statistical and financial data analysis, forecasting for route and scheduling planning, benchmarking, fleet planning, assessment of business plans and developing revenue budget forecasts. She also participated in a joint project for Aeromexico and Mexicana, and was involved in implementing, maintaining and developing the forecasting profitability valuation model. Barbara holds an Master's from Thunderbird, The Garvin School of International Management, and a BSc in Actuarial Science from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico.

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.

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.

Gary is an accomplished Senior Executive with more than 35 years of experience across the aviation, transportation, construction and consulting industries. Throughout his executive career, Gary has held leadership positions with organisations including GTA dnata, Servisair and Sunwing Airlines. He is currently a Managing Director of NextGen Business Brokerage and CEO of GO Green Aviation. He has extensive experience leading business development efforts, managing infrastructure and project initiations, as well as navigating global aviation markets. Gary graduated from York University with a BA in Urban Planning, with a focus on Transportation Planning. Gary currently serves on the Georgian College Aviation Advisory Board and has volunteered on several other Boards.

Rodrigo has 19 years of experience in the aviation industry. He has a solid background in aircraft heavy maintenance planning, together with managerial experience in end of lease transition projects. Rodrigo holds a post graduate qualification in Management of Operations, Products and Services from USP, São Paulo and has a degree in Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, São Paulo.

Eric is an aviation enthusiast from New York, who now lives in Santiago de Chile. Having started his career checking in passengers at JFK, he has since held positions as Station Manager at Baltimore Washington and Miami airports, and was involved in the start-up of an airline in Chile. Before returning to Chile last year, he served as the head of the SkyTeam Cargo alliance, and was based in Amsterdam. Latin America and Asia are his specialities, and his current challenge is that of strengthening the position ofAgunsa Aviation Services in Latin America.

Marva has been employed in the ground handling industry with Airport Services (Antigua) Ltd for a little over 30 years. Marva began as a passenger services agent and then spent many years as a load control agent and then operations duty officer. In 2006, Marva was promoted to Operations Manager managing the contractual obligations of the ground handling agency to various clients, as well as the day to day management of passenger services, ramp and maintenance teams ensuring a safe and efficient operations. Marva holds a MSc. International Business from the University of Liverpool class of 2016.

Howard is a Member of Parliament and the Chairman of Nassau Flight Services Board. He is also an entrepreneur and describes himself as a dedicated family man.