Ozenick will be responsible for spearheading the growth and expansion of Volato’s aircraft management business.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to lead the expansion of Volato’s aircraft management business,” said Matt Liotta, CEO of Volato. “Mark’s unmatched leadership, dedication to safety, customer-centric approach, and sharp business acumen make him an invaluable addition to our senior management team. I look forward to working with him to scale our already successful aircraft management business.”

Volato said that Mark Ozenick leverages his 45-year career in business aviation, specializing in flight operations, maintenance, and leadership, to deliver a proven track record.

He has a history of success leading Part 135 business aviation companies, where he implemented improvements that prioritized safety, customer service, and profitability.

Prior to joining Volato, Ozenick founded HeliFlite, a leading provider of regional helicopter services. He has also served as a trusted advisor on aviation matters to major airlines and private equity organizations.

“Volato has a unique and compelling business model that delivers exceptional service, safety, and products to its clients,” said Ozenick commenting on his decision to lead VAMS. “Aircraft management is a key part of that model and a differentiator in the market. I look forward to building on this strong foundation and driving further growth.”

Ozenick’s appointment highlights Volato’s commitment to growth and its focus on providing exceptional aircraft management services to its clients.

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“Michael not only understands the commercial aspects of VIP jet operations but has a precision focus on safety and maintenance.  This hands-on experience is invaluable as it instils instinctive trust,” said Robin Dunlop, founding partner, ALTEA. 

Remarking on his appointment, the consulting firm said that in addition to his vast network within the VIP aviation industry, Michael Hoby Andersen brings extensive technical and operational experience to ALTEA, particularly in aircraft acquisitions and sales.

“ALTEA has the ability to engage with customers from all angles” said Andersen while commenting on why he joined the firm. “We offer one of the strongest support structures across asset management, financial solutions, design, and completions to guide and inspire owners and operators across the worldwide bizjet market.  This is what sets us apart, and it is what attracted me to join the business.”

Andersen recently facilitated the off-market sale of a Global 6000 for ALTEA.

Dunlop said that despite opportunities in sustainability initiatives, digital transformation, and market growth, the firm’s strength lies in personalized services for specific client needs.

We can help our customers – private individuals, banks, corporations and governments – navigate careful and strategic investments in the sourcing, purchase and completion of all sizes of aircraft, added Dunlop.

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“We are excited to have Matt lead us through our next phase of growth as CFO. His extensive public company experience will be highly valuable as we continue to add focus and rigor to our finance department,” said Jim Segrave, CEO and founder, flyExclusive.

Lesmeister was working as the company’s chief accounting officer prior to his promotion.

Lesmeister joined flyExclusive on May 30, 2024, as executive vice president and chief of staff. He has 14 years of public company experience across various finance roles, most recently at Fox Factory Holding Corp.

At Fox Factory Holding Corp, Lesmeister built an FP&A organisation from the ground up with an emphasis on business partnership, cross-functional collaboration, KPI management and the efficient deployment of capital resources.

“I was drawn to flyExclusive because it is unlike any other business in private aviation,” said Matthew Lesmeister, CFO, flyExclusive.

“Because of the company’s vertical integration strategy, we have full control over what we offer our customers, and we have a great opportunity to act strategically in the months ahead as we continue our journey as a publicly-traded company.”

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Angel Wun, a member of TAG’s in-house pilot training programme, will start her G650 type rating at CAE Singapore.

Established in 2015, TAG’s Trained Pilot Scheme sponsors TAG employees to become a pilot, from no flying experience up to achieving a full type rating on a business jet.

Wun has been instructing at TAG’s sister company, Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) since 2019; finishing as a grade two instructor with instrument and multi-engine training approval. Wun was awarded the Sir Donald Anderson Award in 2022 with her CASA ATPL results.

“I shall always be extremely grateful and honoured for the opportunity and resources TAG has given me to fly as an instructor, obtaining both CASA ATPL and FAA ATP theory and now the type rating on a G650. I want to thank TAG for their dedication and nurturing me as a cadet pilot,” said Wun.

Steven Young, president, TAG Aviation, said: “I am extremely proud and pleased for Angel as she returns from her training and instructing at FTA to fly for TAG. This initiative continues TAG’s theme of aviation heritage and to highlight that we are true and professional aviators.”

Wun will be the third cadet to become a pilot for TAG, following Tinny Tse and Lawrence Lau, who are both type rated on a Bombardier Global 6000 and are currently flying on the TAG fleet.

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Sasha Cejic, Robert Medina and April Morina have all been promoted to regional vice president, service centre operations. This is a new position, that Gulfstream says will ensure “customers and operators continue to experience consistent excellence across the service network”.

Cejic, Medina and Morina have all previously held leadership positions with Gulfstream’s customer support service centres and will all report to Joe Rivera, vice president, service centre operations.

“The Gulfstream fleet is growing, and so are we,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support. “These promotions are part of the strategic expansions to our extensive support network that will position us to continue to provide the exceptional service our customers have long relied on.”

The new appointments follow the expansion of Gulfstream’s customer support network facilities in Savannah, Mesa, Fort Worth, Farnborough, Palm Beach, Appleton and Van Nuys.

Earlier this week, Gulfstream also announced the promotion of Michael Swift to group vice president of Sales, responsible for Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and the Asia-Pacific region (APAC). As well as managing new aircraft sales, Swift will also work with Gulfstream’s customer support teams in his regions.

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Dichter founded the company in 2013 and took it public in 2021. He will continue to be a member of the board of directors but will hand over to chief financial officer Todd Smith who will act as interim CEO. Wheels Up has retained an outside recruitment firm to find a permanent CEO.

The company also announced current board member Ravi Thakran will serve as executive chairman.

The reshuffle comes as the company announced its first quarter (Q1) results today. Wheels Up which reported net losses increased $12m year-over-year (yoy) to $101m, while adjusted EBITDA remained flat yoy with a loss of $49m.

Todd Smith, interim CEO, Wheels Up said: “As we position Wheels Up for future success, we expect the programme changes we announced today will allow us to continue to scale and evolve our product offering to deliver world-class service profitably.”

Dichter thanked the Wheels Up customers and team.  “As we continue our path to profitability, this is the right time to take on a new role where I will support Ravi and Todd and the business,” he said. “I am looking forward to supporting Wheels Up as a shareholder, member of the board, founder and a strong advocate for our brand and mission.”

Meanwhile, read more about Wheels UP’s Q1 results here.

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The appointments follow a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing by the company yesterday, announcing the departure of Lee Applbaum, chief marketing officer, Wheels Up. 

In today’s appointments announcement, Kenny Dichter, CEO, Wheels Up said: “As Wheels Up continues to pursue our vision to make the extraordinary possible every day, I’m pleased to bring aboard two dynamic and seasoned leaders to help take our business to the next level.”

Lauria, who succeeds Applbaum, has worked as management consultant at Wheels Up since January this year. Before that she was CMO at Cigna Corporation. She also spent more than 15 years at IBM, where she led teams through technological advancements.

Godsman has more than 25 years’ experience in digital transformation and technology leadership at Fortune 100 companies. He joins Wheels Up from Foro, a fintech company, where he served as CEO and director.

Dichter added that the two new appointments “bring deep experience in business transformation at some of the largest and most successful companies in the world and will help deliver significant benefits for our members and customers”.

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Nolen first joined as the associate administrator for aviation safety, before taking on the acting administrator role in April when former administrator Steve Dickson left halfway through his term.

He is set to depart when a new nominee for the position is named in the summer. US President Joe Biden’s pick for the role, Phillip Washington, CEO, Denver International Aviation withdrew his nomination last month, leaving it unclear who will take on the position.  

“I have given everything to this agency, and now it’s time to do the same for my family, who have sacrificed so much and supported me during my time at the FAA,” Nolen said. “Not since the dawn  of the jet age have we seen so many advances and changes in aerospace. Our mission to provide the safest aerospace system in the world requires us to adapt, learn and innovate, to think differently.”

Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg said: “Billy is a tremendous leader, a true expert and a dedicated public servant. He has kept safety as the FAA’s north star through one of the most complex periods in modern aviation.”

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Collier will lead Chapman Freeborn’s newly-formed global ACMI department with a key focus on adding value to the company’s clients and suppliers.

He brings almost three decades of industry experience, having most recently served as director of Aircraft Leasing at Air Charter Service. Prior to this, Collier was executive vice president at ACMI24 and co-owner of Elite Aircraft Consulting.

Eric Erbacher, CEO, Chapman Freeborn said: “He brings with him insight from many corners of the aviation industry, which will be invaluable when applied to our ACMI departments across the world. I look forward to working with him and wish him every success in his new role.”

Scott Collier’s industry experience – at a glance

• Director of Aircraft Leasing, Air Charter Service, 2020 – 2022
• Executive vice president, ACMI24, 2018 – 2020  
• Head of Leasing, ACMI24, 2012 – 2018
• Co-owner, Elite Aircraft Consulting, 2004 – 2012
• General manager, Excel Airways, 2002 – 2004
• Commercial manager, Flight Directors Aviation, 1999 – 2001

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White has more than three decades of experience in the industry, most recently as MD of Hong Kong-based Metrojet. Prior to that, White held the role of CEO and COO at Hongkong Jet for more than eight years.

Phenix Jet said his expertise will be “invaluable to the company’s continued growth and success”. The company added: “Denzil’s extensive knowledge of aircraft management, flight operations, aircraft maintenance, crew management and aviation safety standards has earned him an impeccable reputation in the industry.”

In his new role, White will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to scale up the firm’s services, increase customer satisfaction and drive growth.

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