Singapore
With over 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry, I have led successful businesses in highly competitive international markets. As CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense Services Asia—a joint venture between SIA Engineering Company and Safran—I drive growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across the region. I am passionate about transforming business functions and units by defining a clear vision for success and executing strategic roadmaps. Leveraging my expertise in process improvement, aircraft operations, and efficiency optimization, I have consistently delivered exceptional service to customers and stakeholders. I actively challenge conventional ways of working, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, generate revenue, and drive cost-saving initiatives. Despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 crisis, I have successfully met the ambitious growth and profitability targets set by the Board of Directors. Beyond business performance, I am deeply committed to mentoring and empowering my team, fostering a culture of trust, best practice sharing, and open communication to drive long-term success.
Promoted to lead this SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC) and SAFRAN JV, driving realisation of growth and profit targets via multi-year strategic and tactical business plans as envisioned by the Board of Directors. Energise technological and operational improvement to fuel increases in revenue growth and EBITDA. Embed a culture of continuous improvement relative to operational efficiency, cost management and health & safety. Lead, mentor and empower the entire BU by building trusting relationships, leveraging on leaders’ and team members’ strengths to meet objectives. Create culture of best practice sharing and open communications. • Despite global COVID-19 crisis, successfully delivered on operational and financial targets via strategic, short term actions such as the company cost savings plan which helped capture millions of dollars in savings. • Effectively optimised the company structure and its businesses to align with current market conditions as per Board of Directors’ mandate. • Built and developed the JV’s 10-year strategic roadmap in lockstep with shareholder priorities and strategies.
Provided leadership across 20 SEA and Indian subcontinent countries for operational functions - Product Support, Sales Administration, Supply Chain, Sales & Business Development as well as Customer Training Centre services. Architected regional capability improvements via strategy, organisational structure, processes and technologies. Directed activities of the 40-member Front Office Organisation to deliver premium customer experience. Implemented cost reduction programs. Formulated and executed transformational programs for a proactive and predictive customer experience. • Bolstered regional business revenue growth and maintained stock value via achievement of the 5-Year Plan. Further boosted regional growth via development of 12 local partners. • Secured 50% of yearly revenues by signing Program by the Hours contracts, resulting in 60+ contracts under management with organisations in both the Military and Civilian segments. • Recognised as the 2017 #1 Support Services by the Professional Pilot magazine via maintenance of >95% customer satisfaction for 7 consecutive years. Consistently met cost and turnaround time (TAT) targets. • Optimised performance through streamlined operations. Clarified roles and integrated the Commercial/Technical and Front Office/Back Office teams. • Orchestrated the 2016 business relocation to Seletar from Loyang/Changi Area without impacting customer support. • Elevated supply chain to world-class standards by developing roadmap with milestones achieved through lean six sigma initiatives, performance-based contracts with suppliers and region-specific supply chain plans and processes. • Launched the company’s Innovation Days Program which enabled governance set up, defined objectives, and delivered strong local innovative ideas. • Earned Customer Training Centre Certifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as well as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
Developed and executed strategic plan to achieve service excellence for customers in South East Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Ensured seamless customer experience, operational efficiency, supply chain management and workforce planning. Served as primary interface between the company’s supply chain, sales organisation and customer base. Focused efforts of the 17-member CSR and Logistics team. Established knowledge of supply chain metrics, sales channels, priority customers’ goals and evolving marketplace trends. Introduced value-add customer engagement functionality and leveraged innovations to improve customer experience. • Increased Service Rates from 50% to 90% in just 2 years by optimising daily support processes and integrating sales and supply chain activities for the Indian subcontinent. • Reduced inventory costs by 30%. Instituted safety stock for continuous support of regional business activities. Later fully integrated supply chain activities into the Front Office daily operations. • Mitigated the high staff turnover and expanded multicultural and geographically dispersed staff from 7 to 17 members. • Earned a 91% rating and the Top 3 spot in the Safran Helicopter Engines subsidiaries audits. Also achieved no major deviation findings in the ESEA audit. • Completed the company-wide SAP ERP migration project without impacting customers.
Drove worldwide POOL asset management for engines, modules and line-replaceable units for continuous customer support. Managed sales administration activities between HQ and international sites. Scheduled and monitored all customer service-related activities. Rolled out corporate control tools such as stock sizing, management rules, reporting and POOL standards. Developed employee training plan. • Guided, coordinated and trained 5 global teams in the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada and France to deliver revenue and operating targets while optimising delivery service metrics. • Slashed inventory costs resulting in a 10% reduction of the global cost, and increased stock rotation by 25%. • In just 4 years, boosted Global Service Performance to 95% from 50% and grew team from 3 to 13 members. • Completed the SAP ERP Migration Project with no service delivery impact. • Introduced Monthly Corporate Reporting which enabled enhanced monitoring and transparency of global activity. • Pioneered establishment of a new POOL of main engine accessories that include engine control units (ECU), fuel control units (FCU) and hydromechanical unit (HMU).
Executed the Engine Modifications business’ growth initiatives within the French Defence Ministry’s integrated through-life support structure for aeronautical equipment and systems (SIMMAD) as well as the UK Ministry of Defence. Developed HQ and subsidiaries’ sales strategies, policies and plans which aligned with government-specific laws, regulations and standards. Led analysis of proposed legislative actions, determined potential organisational impact and developed appropriate responses. Liaised with both French and UK government agencies and articulated the company’s value proposition. Maintained positive relationships with government leaders and organisations. • Established the Modification Board Review in full compliance with contracts closed with French and UK governments. • Developed 20 sales policies and support & sales kits for the Safran Helicopter Engines network and its subsidiaries.