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Alex Ceballos holds a degree in Industrial Engineering and a master’s in Industrial Organization, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in the aviation industry. He currently serves as Director of Technical Assets and Supply Chain at Aer Lingus, Ireland’s flag carrier, where he leads the commercial and transformational strategy for technical assets and related services.
In this role, Alex manages a substantial budget covering engine and component stock and maintenance. He is driving the transformation of sourcing and inventory operations to enhance service levels and deliver cost efficiencies. His responsibilities include overseeing engine asset management, aircraft transitions, and the end-to-end supply chain.
Alex began his career at Iberia MRO in 2002, where he held various leadership roles across Components, Engines, and Supply Chain. He later joined IAG GBS, where he led strategic procurement and transformation initiatives across the maintenance and engineering areas of all IAG airlines.
His career reflects a consistent focus on delivering value, leading change, and building high-performing teams.
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Andrew McDougall is Head of Geopolitical Risk for Barclays and advises Barclays Board and executive leadership on global affairs. He joined Barclays from the UK Foreign Office, where he gained extensive experience working on some of the most important global issues over the past two decades. His particular expertise is Europe, Russia, and China, but also worked closely on Iran and South Asia (India/Pakistan/Afghanistan) earlier in his career. Andrew’s final posting was in Brussels (Political Counsellor in the UK Mission to the EU and NATO) but also served in Switzerland, India, and the Middle East. As a British Army officer, he served in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, and Iraq, before joining the Foreign Office. He read Law and International Relations at university.
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Andy Cronin was appointed Avolon’s Chief Executive Officer in October 2022 and is a globally recognised leader within the aviation industry, having held a range of senior roles across the sector for more than 20 years.
As part of the founding team and serving as Avolon’s CFO from 2010 to 2022, Andy has played a central role in building the company to the industry-leading position it holds today. He has successfully led Finance and Capital Market teams through numerous capital raises, corporate acquisitions, and most notably Avolon’s listing on the NYSE.
Prior to joining Avolon, Andy served as SVP Investor Markets at RBS Aviation Capital with responsibility for disposal, financing and debt syndication of operating lease and structured debt products to a wide pool of investors and banking communities. Before working at RBS Aviation Capital, Andy worked in numerous commercial and operational roles at FLS Aerospace.
Andy has a Bachelor of Engineering degree and a Master of Industrial Engineering degree, both with First Class Honours from University College Dublin.
With over 20 years of leadership in the aviation and energy sectors, Arnaud brings deep industry expertise and a track record of innovation. Arnaud is the co-founder and CEO of ATOBA Energy, the midstream sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) aggregator accelerating the aviation industry energy transition. Previously, as Chief Operating Officer of Universal Hydrogen, he spearheaded the development of the aviation hydrogen value chain and launched a pioneering energy aggregation to unlock the hydrogen market for mobility.
Earlier in his career, Arnaud held executive positions at Safran and Zodiac Aerospace —global leaders in aerospace systems and equipment—, where he led major initiatives in engineering, program management, and corporate strategy. He began his career at Airbus, contributing to advanced aircraft design.
A graduate of École Polytechnique in France and UCLA Anderson in California, Arnaud is recognized for his ability to drive collaboration, a true sense of urgency, and bold solutions in the pursuit of sustainable aviation.
Betsy R. Snyder was a Director in S&P Global Ratings Corporate Ratings group from 1990 through March 2024. She specialized in coverage of transportation companies, including aircraft lessors and the airline industry. She also worked extensively on Structured Finance transactions related to her areas of specialization.
Prior to joining S&P, Betsy was an equity research analyst following airlines and aircraft lessors for Merrill Lynch and L.F. Rothschild.
Betsy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University and a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Fordham University. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Betsy has been a Trustee of the ISTAT Foundation and a member of the ISTAT International Appraisers’ Program Board of Governors. She also currently serves as a member of various ISTAT Foundation committees. Betsy has participated extensively as both a speaker and moderator at several global conferences.
Bryan McKenna is an Assistant Principal at the Department of Transport, working on the development of Ireland’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. Responsibilities include implementation of Ireland’s SAF Policy Roadmap, engagement with interested stakeholders in SAF Policy development and representing Irish interests internationally.
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Conor McCarthy has been in the airline industry for over 47 years. He started with Aer Lingus as an Apprentice Aircraft Engineer at 16 and holds a Degree in Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. Conor is a serial entrepreneur and has been a founder of several airlines and aerospace companies worldwide including PlaneConsult, AirAsia (Malaysia), Jetstar (Australia), Viva (formerly vivaAerobus in Mexico), Dublin Aerospace and Emerald Airlines.
After graduating from Trinity College, Conor quickly rose to the level of EVP and was appointed Chief Executive of Aer Lingus Commuter at the age of 28.
Conor was the Director of Group Operations & Safety for Ryanair from 1996-2000. During this time the airline tripled in size and Conor was responsible for implementing the famous Ryanair 25-minute turnaround, new Base rollout template, and successful specification, delivery and introduction of the first Ryanair Boeing 737-800s in 1998.
Conor left Ryanair to establish PlaneConsult, a boutique aviation consultancy company. Over the past 25 years PlaneConsult has worked with many airlines including easyJet, Aer Lingus, AirAsia, Qantas, Jetstar, Air Deccan, Pegasus, Alaska Airlines, Copa, Thai AirAsia, AirAsia X, MAS, flyNAS, Saudia and vivaAerobus.
Conor was a Co-founder and former director of AirAsia and its affiliates in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and India.
In 2009 Conor established Dublin Aerospace, parent company to Dublin Aerospace and Exeter Aerospace. Dublin Aerospace is now one of the world’s leading providers of Aerospace MRO services with capabilities in APU Repair & Overhaul, Base Maintenance, Component Repair and Landing Gear Overhaul. Dublin Aerospace has recently developed a state-of-the-art Landing Gear facility in Ashbourne, Ireland and started up Exeter Aerospace in the UK.
Based primarily in Dublin, Ireland, Conor is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Emerald Airlines, Ireland’s newest regional airline, and the exclusive operator of the Aer Lingus Regional network
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Donal Handley has worked in the aviation industry for over 25 years and has extensive experience in aviation policy, government relations, aviation decarbonisation, airline economics, air finance and leasing, communications and aviation stakeholder relations.
AerCap is the largest owner of commercial aircraft and engines in the world and also the world’s largest aircraft lessor. Based in Brussels, as Head of Government Affairs & Sustainability for AerCap, Donal engages with all parts of the aviation value chain, including European and global policy makers, as well as aviation stakeholders.
Prior to joining AerCap, Donal was Chief of Staff EUROCONTROL (from 2018-22), where he was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the Director General's mandate. Previous that role, he held various positions with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) between 2004 and 2017, including the position of Head of Corporate Affairs (from 2012-17). Prior to joining the IAA, he was a Senior Economic Analyst with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), based in London. Prior to IATA, he worked for Aer Lingus as an Economic Analyst in Dublin.
He has an honours Masters degree (M.Econ.Sc) in European Economic & Public Affairs from University College Dublin, as well as an honours Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) from University College Dublin.
Eamonn Brennan was the Director General of EUROCONTROL (2018 – 2022). EUROCONTROL is based in Brussels, Belgium. EUROCONTROL is an intergovernmental European organisation with 41 member States in addition to comprehensive agreements with two other states. The organisation manages the European Air Traffic Network, handling over 11 million flights yearly and is central to the operational and financial management of the air traffic control system, which costs €11 billion annually. The organisation provides a range of technical coordination activities, training and research support for States, Airlines, ATC Providers, Airports and Industry. In addition, it also provides ATC services for the upper airspace of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and Northern Germany, amongst the busiest airspace in continental Europe. (www.eurocontrol.int)
Prior to joining EUROCONTROL, Eamonn was Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority (2002 – 2017) with responsibility for the safety regulation of the fast-growing Irish civil aviation sector, providing air navigation services in Irish airspace and ATC at major airports and North Atlantic Communications. He was significantly involved in the promotion of the industry, which saw considerable growth with high levels of safety, performance, cost efficiency and expansion of services, which included investments in technology, resources, and infrastructure. He has also worked in international positions in South East Asia based in Kuala Lumpur, in Malta and London where he led the successful Airline Group bid for the first ever part-privatisation of a European Air Navigation Service Provider in the UK (NATS).
He has extensive experience of European Aerospace and operations and worked closely with EASA during his tenure at Eurocontrol and IAA, attending board meetings and leading a co-operative programme. He has worked extensively with industry and state representative associations (e.g. ICAO, IATA, A4E, ACI, etc.)
Eamonn has served as Chairman of CANSO Global, Chairman of the COOPANS Alliance, Deputy Chair of the SESAR Board and has served in the past on the Boards of Borealis, Aireon Llc, Entry Point North and the Irish Aviation Authority. He is a graduate of the National University of Ireland, qualified as a chartered accountant and a private pilot.
Eamonn is a Non-Executive Director of Ryanair. He is Chairman of the Foynes Flying boat Museum and advises aviation companies and governments. He is a Board member of ANRA Technologies and also serves on the advisory boards of Irelandia Aviation and Cirium. He is currently working on projects in on eVTOL and electric and hybrid aircraft and is a Board Adviser to Vertical Aerospace Plc. He is also the co author of a 2025 Strategic Report on the future of Irish Aviation.
Filip Cornelis is Director for Aviation (DG MOVE Directorate E) in the European
Commission, in charge of Aviation since October 2017.
He joined the European Commission in 1994. After a posting abroad, he worked in the
Task Force for Accession Negotiations. He then led the Commission team drafting the
Treaties of Accession for the 12 new EU Member States.
In January 2006, Filip Cornelis moved on to transport policy by joining the Office of
the Director General for Energy and Transport, Mr Matthias Ruete. He was the leading
member of the Office from 2008. He was then appointed Head of Unit for Aviation
Security in the European Commission in September 2010. He moved on to become
Head of Unit for Aviation Safety from December 2012 until October 2016. He
subsequently became Head of Unit for Aviation Policy until his appointment as Director
for Aviation.
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Feargal is the Head of Corporate Affairs at SMBC Aviation Capital. Previously, he worked with Edelman Global Advisory where he was Managing Director of Ireland and Deputy Head of Europe, leading its Public Affairs division. Prior to joining Edelman, Feargal was the Government Press Secretary to Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny T.D. for six years.
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A transactional lawyer by background, Heather has built a career spanning aircraft leasing, portfolio trading, and restructurings. In addition to her role as VP, Counsel, Heather also manages ACG’s Dublin office and serves as Managing Director of ACG LLC’s Irish subsidiary and related entities. Overall she is responsible for leading and executing complex cross-border deals and managing the delivery of aircraft related transactions, while also overseeing the governance and management of the Irish platform and the day-to-day operations of the Dublin office.
Prior to joining ACG, Heather worked with CDB Aviation. Alongside her legal and management responsibilities, she has developed a strong interest in cross-cultural business and communication. She has studied a number of languages and, given her experience at CDB and ACG’s Japanese shareholder, has placed particular focus on Mandarin and Japanese.
Joe Gill is an Adjunct Professor of Business in the Cork University Business School (CUBS) within University College Cork and a Director of Corporate Advisory with Goodbody Capital Markets. He previously worked as Head of Research in Goodbody, as Head of Equity Research Marketing with ABN AMRO European Equities and as Chief Economist with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society. He specialised in European airline equity research between 2002 and 2012 and was an award winning analyst in that period. He worked as lead analyst on the 2006 IPO of Aer Lingus and has advised a number of airlines including Ryanair and IAG group. Joe is an Economics graduate of University College Cork.
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Jude is the Financial Times' Ireland correspondent, covering economy, business, politics and culture across the island. She moved to Dublin four years ago after 21 years working in most countries across Latin America and has also been a correspondent in Italy and Spain. She read modern languages at Oxford.
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Appointed Group Chief Executive Officer in 2019, Karl joined Genesis in 2018 with 30 years aviation industry experience, as Chief Commercial & Investment Officer.
Prior to joining Genesis, Karl was the Chief Operating Officer at AWAS, where he spent 11 years building AWAS into a $15bn global aircraft leasing business.
Karl started his aviation career in 1990 as an apprentice in the Maintenance Repair & Overhaul sector with a GPA Joint Venture company, Shannon Aerospace. In 1998, Karl became a founding member of low-cost airline Virgin Express with a fleet of 25 aircraft serving major European cities. In 2002 Karl joined the newly formed RBS Aviation Capital, where he held various technical, pricing and marketing roles and led RBS Aviation Capitals engine leasing and finance business.
Karl received a first-class honours MBA from the University of Limerick, a Dip. Mechanical Engineering from Galway Institute of Technology and an ICAO & EASA aircraft maintenance engineers licence.
Liam Benham was appointed President of EU, NATO and Government Affairs Europe at Boeing Global in December 2022. Benham is responsible for expanding Boeing’s presence and pursuing new growth opportunities as the senior Boeing representative in France and Southern Europe. As head of the Boeing Brussels office, he also represents the company’s interests with key European Union institutions, European regulators and NATO. Working closely with Boeing teams across Europe, he leads the company’s advocacy for informed decision-making on key EU policies that strengthen transatlantic ties, advance Europe’s economy, promote sustainable growth, contribute to a safe, innovative and competitive aviation system, and connect EU citizens and businesses.
Benham brings over 25 years of senior government relations experience stemming from his work for global enterprises with a U.S. heritage. Prior to Boeing he served as Vice President Government and Regulatory Affairs at IBM Europe for over a decade, focusing on a broad spectrum of topics of interest – from AI, cybersecurity and privacy to trade, taxation and the EU Digital Single Market. Benham also held senior government relations positions for 15 years at the Ford Motor Company, where he focused on key regions of interest, including Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa. Benham holds a Degree in Politics from the University of Bristol. He is the current Board Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union, and has previously served as Board Member of the organisation in the EU and Thailand. Benham has also previously served as Vice Chair of the BusinessEurope Digital Economy Taskforce, and Board Member of DIGITALEUROPE.
Ms. Frost is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources for elfc.
Maria joined elfc in 2012 and oversees the global HR function across locations in Shannon, London, Boston, and Singapore. Maria leads strategic HR initiatives focused on organisational development, talent management, employee engagement, and leadership development.
Maria is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, Chairperson of the ICBE Aviation Skillnet Steering Committee, and a Steering Group Member of the Shannon Chamber Skillnet Group. She is committed to advancing industry skills, training, and development, promoting HR best practices, and driving impactful organisational change.
Maria holds a Business Degree from the University of Limerick, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and a Specialist Diploma in Aviation Leasing & Finance.
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In June 2023, Mélanie joined the Airbus Sustainable Aviation Fuel Project, as Project Director, where she endorses the responsibility of building the Airbus SAF Knowledge Centre to further advocatefor the worldwide use of SAF, as being a key solution to decarbonise air transport.
Before this, Mélanie was in charge of International Cooperation and Academic Relations also at AIRBUS, Corporate Affairs Department. In her role, she influenced the future of Air Transport with ICAO, Civil Aviation Authorities, Airlines, Airports, Air Navigation Service Providers and Academic Institutions. Her mission was to support business development and sustainable growth of Airbus aircraft operations.
Mélanie joined AIRBUS in 2009 at the Product Integrity Department, in charge of International Cooperation with Civil Aviation Authorities. Shortly thereafter, she joined the AIRBUS Product Safety Department in 2011, where she was the Manager of International Safety Operations, where she oversaw multiple operational safety assistance and collaborations efforts around the world with Civil Aviation Authorities and Airlines, efforts that she developed in close collaboration with AIRBUS Product Safety leadership. She was responsible for supporting the establishment of long-term relationships with ICAO Safety Groups, CAA’s, airlines and industry organizations involved in safety in the different regions around the world. She was also responsible for establishing and maintaining close collaboration with the different internal and external suppliers supporting simultaneous regional safety initiatives.
Mélanie earned a Master Degree in Safety from ENAC in 2016 and a degree in Human Resources & Business Management from IGS in 2008. Mélanie is fluent in French, English and Spanish languages. She has great interpersonal relationship ability, broad cultural sensitivities and strong organizational and management skills. In June 2021, she became a Private Pilot.
Marie-Louise Kelly is the Chief Financial Officer of ORIX Aviation. In her role she is responsible for leading ORIX Aviation’s Finance, Technical, Legal, IT and Corporate Planning departments. As a senior member of the ExCo leadership team she holds a key position in terms of strategic planning and directing a number of operational functions across the organisation. Marie-Louise joined ORIX Aviation in 2009. Prior to being appointed to her current role, she held various positions across finance, commercial, corporate planning and structuring. She was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2016, joining the Board of ORIX Aviation in 2018. In April of 2024, Marie-Louise was appointed Senior Executive Officer of ORIX Aviation. Marie-Louise has over twenty years’ experience in financial services. Prior to joining ORIX, she trained in KPMG Dublin’s Financial Services Tax division. She holds an Honours Degree in Commerce and an Honours Masters of Business Studies from University College Dublin. Marie-Louise is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor. She served as Chair of industry lobby group, Aircraft Leasing Ireland from July 2022 to July 2024.
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Oliver Gerg is the Senior Vice President of Global Leasing and Freighter at Embraer. Prior to this role, Oliver served as VP of Global Leasing at Embraer.
Before joining Embraer, Oliver spent over 15 years at Rolls-Royce, holding multiple leadership positions including VP Sales for Airbus programs and VP Sales for Greater China
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Peter was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2004. He has worked in aircraft leasing and finance for over 30 years, starting his career with Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA). Peter holds a B.Eng from University College Cork (UCC).
Róisín is founder and Director of AerTalent, a boutique Executive Recruitment Firm, specialising in the Aviation industry, supporting clients within the Aircraft Leasing and Aviation Finance Sector. With over 20 years’ experience in Recruitment and Executive Search, Róisín has a proven background in supporting businesses from start-up’s to established international and market leading organisations. A regular attendee at Aviation Industry events, Róisín is constantly expanding her network, and deepening her knowledge and experience within the industry.
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Oliver Gerg is the Senior Vice President of Global Leasing and Freighter at Embraer. Prior to this role, Oliver served as VP of Global Leasing at Embraer.
Before joining Embraer, Oliver spent over 15 years at Rolls-Royce, holding multiple leadership positions including VP Sales for Airbus programs and VP Sales for Greater China
Ronan is a Director at Alton Aviation Consultancy providing transactional and strategic insights across the aviation value chain. Ronan brings 17 years of professional experience to Alton specializing in strategy development, structured finance, M&A, portfolio management, airline analysis, risk management, restructuring, and company valuation. Ronan has a unique skill set that allows him to understand and absorb complex transactions and distil them into concise actionable information to support decision makers in achieving their strategic goals. Ronan has a proven track record and led a variety of strategic reviews, buy side and sell side transaction processes and airline restructurings providing critical insight and investment decision recommendations to capital deployers and related stakeholders. Ronan has expertise in developing out enterprise level reporting frameworks using business intelligence tools to consolidate an array of disparate company and market data into dynamic user-friendly interfaces allowing stakeholders to make smarter decisions while providing a more insightful view of the data that is important to them.
Prior to joining Alton, Ronan held a variety of roles in AMCK Aviation where he was most recently Vice President of Strategy & Planning and responsible for devising strategic options and alternative capital deployment opportunities. Prior to this Ronan was Vice President of Risk developing out the company’s wider risk framework and credit analysis. Previously Ronan worked with KPMG in Dublin in the Corporate Finance team where he advised on several aviation transitions having begun his career as an auditor with KPMG.
Ronan is a holder of the CFA Charter since 2015, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, and has completed the Certificate in Negotiating and influencing skills for leaders in London Business School. Ronan earned the Master in Accounting from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and a BsC in Management from Technological University Dublin.
Stephen Dooley is an interdisciplinary engineering scientist of a chemical bias dedicated to fundamental and translational research in sustainability and clean energy technologies.
He is a European Research Council awardee – the highest research award in the EY, the Founding Director of the Trinity Research Centre in Low Carbon Technologies, Trinity’s MSc in Energy Science, The Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Centre, and the Trinity College Dublin SMBC Aviation Capital SAF Research Facility.
Since 2023 he is also the Founding Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency EU Sustainable Aviation Fuel Clearing House.
Stephen obtained BSc and PhD degrees from the University of Galway, followed by a three year term as Professional Scientist at Princeton University, before spells at Cummins Engine Company and Faculty at University of Limerick.
Since 2016 he is Professor of Energy Sciences at Trinity College Dublin, and widely regarded as an authority on Sustainable Aviation having authored 99 peer reviewed papers.
Since joining Genesis in early 2023 Sarah has led the full HR function and is responsible for the recruitment and development of employees, the internal HR policies & processes, and Compensation & Benefits.
Sarah has worked within HR for the past 15 years working as a HR Consultant and an employee with companies such as Aramark and CIT.
Sarah holds a BA in Human Resource Management (CIPD), a Diploma in Employment Law and is also a qualified mediator with the MII and holds an advanced diploma in Personal, Leadership and Executive Coaching holding an ICF membership.