Dubai, United Arab Emirates
CAREER PROFILE: As a seasoned professional in the aviation industry with over 25 years of experience in business aviation, I have now taken on the role of Vice President, Commercial, at RoyalJet. This is the second time that I have joined the Abu Dhabi-based global premium private jet operator, having previously held the position of Commercial Director. In my current role, I will lead the annual business planning process and set achievable targets for revenue, market share, and profitability. I will be overseeing the sales forecasting process to align assets and resources with market demand and revenue opportunities, while managing the development and launch of new commercial initiatives. In addition, I will provide executive counsel to the CEO and Board on industry trends, regulatory shifts, and emerging opportunities in luxury aviation, translating insights into actionable strategies to secure long-term market leadership. Prior to re-joining RoyalJet, I was the President/CEO of Chapman Freeborn’s India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), part of Avia Solutions Group. Over the years, I have held multiple senior positions in the aviation industry, including Vice President of Aircraft Sales for Jetex & Honda Aircraft in Dubai, UAE, and Vice President of FBO & MRO at Jet Aviation in Saudi Arabia. While working with Skyservice Business Aviation in Toronto, Canada, I first held the post of General Manager. Eventually, I became the Director of FBO Sales and Vice President of Sales & Business Development. I also served five years on the Board of ExxonMobil Avitat Aviation Council as Vice Chairman and Chairman. Since 2015, I have served on the Standards Board of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handlers or IS-BAH, and Air Elite. Throughout my career, I have been recognized as an innovative and success-driven professional, and an inspirational and dynamic leader. I have a proven track record of leading and mentoring high-performing teams, which have consistently achieved accelerated revenue growth, increased market share, and improved profitability under my guidance. As a diplomatic communicator with a career-long record of negotiating complex customer service relations and closing multi-million-dollar business transactions, I have the capability to assess, resolve and meet complex and demanding client concerns and challenges. In addition, I have the expertise to identify, lead and implement business solutions proactively while optimising operational efficiency through business process redesign and change management.
Responsible for all matters that will impact Royal Jet's commercial performance, my role primarily focuses on providing executive counsel to the CEO and the Board of Directors on industry trends, regulatory shifts, and emerging opportunities in aviation. This includes leading the annual business planning process, setting ambitious yet achievable targets for revenue, market share, and profitability. Additionally, I oversee the development and launch of new commercial initiatives and explore ancillary revenue opportunities, including expanding our existing portfolios and forging strategic partnerships. I also manage the entire sales forecasting process to align assets and resources with market demand and revenue opportunities, while leading, mentoring, and developing a high-performing commercial team in fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
As part of my role, I work closely with the Group CEO and the Board of Directors of the holding company to develop annual business strategies for the region and prepare yearly budgets. My responsibilities include implementing all agreed-upon regional strategies for all departments and product lines. I also strive to establish and maintain positive working relationships with the team, implement a practical approach, and ensure our employees are motivated and productive. My understanding of all relevant markets enables me to support relationships with existing clients and develop new ones.
Owns the development strategy generated through detailed market analysis and forecasting activities and the production of detailed macroeconomic and bottom-up demand forecasts and scenario planning with objective if deriving maximum commercial benefits. Responsible for planning, developing and implementing commercial strategy and objectives with the main goal to support and accelerate growth, and to increase revenue through optimized capacity strategy and continued air service development achieved through the highest level of customer engagement Leads the development of RoyalJet sales and marketing strategy to create a compelling offer with the clear product, pricing, and customer service, while achieving profitability for the business.
Managed launch of new Honda Aircraft dealership Middle East. Implementing core strategies, maintenance service centre structure for the Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan regions. Identified and executed marketing and sales strategies to create and increase market share and profitability supporting aircraft sales and aircraft maintenance. Building partnership structures in strategic locations to increase aircraft maintenance support and sales in respective regions. Leading and mentoring sales teams through purchasing processes, negotiations, contracts, demo flights, and sales and aircraft delivery process.
Responsible for executive business strategy including tactical, operational and financial responsibility for all aspects of business operations, sales & marketing, and business development. Proven track record in increasing business profitability and market share through solid vision and global experience while working with the board of directors and shareholders to validate and update the vision, mission, core values and business strategies. Managing successful teams through building strong relationships, cultivating trust, and mentoring while focusing on creating and fostering positive organizational culture that strongly support highly successful team members through ongoing mentoring and support that empower and foster success.