Speakers
Chairpersons
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.
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.
Chris joined FMC (now JBT) back in 1999. Since then, he has worked in different areas within the company including after-sales, marketing and sales. Since 2006 he has been responsible for accounts in Central Europe. In 2007 Chris relocated with his family from Madrid to Frankfurt and this year he has relocated again to JBT's headquarters in Orlando, where he is now responsible for accounts in North America, Central and South America.
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.
In 2020, Donna opened the US offices of Kale Info Solutions. She still serves as President and CEO of Mullins International Solutions and Mullins International Academy. Prior to starting Mullins International Solutions, Donna served as Branch Manager for the Atlanta office of CV International. Before this, she was President and CEO of Alpha Sun International. Donna has served in the international transportation community since 1982, where she began as an importer of wholesale merchandise. Upon leaving the import side of the trade, Donna started her career in the brokerage and transportation arena. She has held various volunteer positions including President and Chair of the AIFBA and President and Chair of the AACA. Donna has also held an Adjunct Professor's position with Clayton State University, where she was involved in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management and teaches the ABC of Customs Brokerage as well as other international classes and courses. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Logistics and Supply Chain Business of College at Clayton State University and Atlanta Technical College.
Head of Procurement - International Airports Contract Specialist
Aeromexico
A lawyer, having graduated from Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico, Graciela has plenty of experience in negotiating and drafting contracts within different industries. She has been responsible for ground handling procurement at Aeromexico for over three years. Her IATA Training has included Airline Contract Law, SLA-SGHA Effective Negotiation Behaviours & Procurement and Contracts Management. She formulated the SLA for ground handling services for Aeromexico's SGHA and is responsible for following up on the quality of international services delivered to the carrier.
José Ricardo Botelho is a Lawyer from the Catholic University of Salvador, Brazil with experience in civil aviation and public service.
Prior to joining ALTA, José Ricardo served for 4 years as President of the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and, for about 2 and a half years, he served as Brazil's Alternate Diplomatic Delegate to ICAO, actively participating in the amendments to the text of the Tokyo Convention in the work relevant to Brazil's entry in ICAO’s Public Key Directory (PKD) and in the systematization of API (Advanced Passenger Information), besides having worked on the rules against acts of unlawful interference (AVSEC) for civil aviation.
José Ricardo holds a postgraduate degree in Criminal Sciences from Jorge Amado University and a postgraduate degree in Public Security Management from the National Police Academy, both from Brazil.
Robert is Executive Vice President Cargo for Menzies Aviation, and based in Edinburgh. He re-joined Menzies in October 2017, having spent the previous nine years with Etihad, mostly based in the United Arab Emirates, where he held the position of Head of Cargo Operations, with accountability for hub operations and the global cargo handling network, overseeing significant growth of the airline and its cargo handling business. Prior to the move to Abu Dhabi, Robert’s first tenure with Menzies was a ten year stint in various commercial roles, including global key account management. He learnt the cargo business in his early years with Lufthansa Cargo based at London Heathrow in a number of operational and quality management roles. Robert is a former board member of cargoiQ and a current member of IATA’s Cargo Handling Consultative Council. He holds an Advanced Masters in Airline Operations Management from ENAC University in Toulouse, France.