meet the team
A Powerhouse In Aviation Finance
meet the team
Eddy Pieniazek
Head of Advisory
Eddy has supported thousands of aircraft transactions during his 35 years’ career, advising leaders of the world’s top aviation finance, investment and leasing companies, airlines and manufacturers.
A respected and valued influencer, Eddy was one of the original pioneers of today’s aircraft valuation and appraisal industry, developing the industry’s first online valuation tool and associated analytics, fulfilling the rigour and consistency demanded by investors.
Eddy began his career at Ascend (formerly known as Airclaims) in 1982. He founded and led Ascend’s rapidly expanding data and advisory business, spearheading flourishing relationships with industry leaders which continue to this day.
Eddy is a frequent speaker on the international conference circuit and is a visiting lecturer at the Air Business Academy in Toulouse. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science from the University of London.
One thing you may not know about Eddy.
His alter-ego back in the late 1970’s was Skunk Cyanide, a musician during new wave music’s formative years.
A respected and valued influencer, Eddy was one of the original pioneers of today’s aircraft valuation and appraisal industry, developing the industry’s first online valuation tool and associated analytics, fulfilling the rigour and consistency demanded by investors.
Eddy began his career at Ascend (formerly known as Airclaims) in 1982. He founded and led Ascend’s rapidly expanding data and advisory business, spearheading flourishing relationships with industry leaders which continue to this day.
Eddy is a frequent speaker on the international conference circuit and is a visiting lecturer at the Air Business Academy in Toulouse. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science from the University of London.
One thing you may not know about Eddy.
His alter-ego back in the late 1970’s was Skunk Cyanide, a musician during new wave music’s formative years.
Gehan Talwatte
Executive Chairman
Gehan has over 25 years’ experience spearheading the vision, strategy and successful expansion of global businesses, for both start-up and growth organisations.
A pioneer in customer-focused workflow solutions, Gehan drives the creation of innovative, analytical data to help customers improve efficiencies and make smarter business decisions.
Alongside his leading role with Ishka, Gehan is currently non-executive chairman of Briefing Media (backed by Lyceum Capital) and Smart Analyst (backed by Edison Partners and Milestone Venture Partners, USA).
Previously, Gehan was CEO of Ascend, a leading aviation information business backed by Lloyds Development Capital (LDC). During his six-year tenure, the business expanded globally and quadrup led in size, before a successful trade exit to Reed Business Information in 2011.
Gehan started his career at D&B in the USA. He co-founded a software startup in India (now Cognizant Technology Solutions NASDAQ:CTSH), set up a workflow and credit automation business (eccelerate.com sold to AIG) and was co-founder and CEO of Hoover’s Online Europe, sold to D&B in 2005.
He has a Master of International Affairs and MBA degrees from Columbia University (New York, NY) and a BA (honours) from Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA).
One thing you may not know about Gehan. Gehan chronicles his mission to find the world’s best martini on MartiniMandate.com
A pioneer in customer-focused workflow solutions, Gehan drives the creation of innovative, analytical data to help customers improve efficiencies and make smarter business decisions.
Alongside his leading role with Ishka, Gehan is currently non-executive chairman of Briefing Media (backed by Lyceum Capital) and Smart Analyst (backed by Edison Partners and Milestone Venture Partners, USA).
Previously, Gehan was CEO of Ascend, a leading aviation information business backed by Lloyds Development Capital (LDC). During his six-year tenure, the business expanded globally and quadrup led in size, before a successful trade exit to Reed Business Information in 2011.
Gehan started his career at D&B in the USA. He co-founded a software startup in India (now Cognizant Technology Solutions NASDAQ:CTSH), set up a workflow and credit automation business (eccelerate.com sold to AIG) and was co-founder and CEO of Hoover’s Online Europe, sold to D&B in 2005.
He has a Master of International Affairs and MBA degrees from Columbia University (New York, NY) and a BA (honours) from Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA).
One thing you may not know about Gehan. Gehan chronicles his mission to find the world’s best martini on MartiniMandate.com
Rob Taylor
Sales Director
Rob has championed customer-focused, senior management sales roles in global organisations for over 25 years. He advocates close working relationships with partners and clients to ensure needs are met with confidence and transparency.
Rob has a distinguished track record in high profile financial service companies. He began his career in stock broking with Scrimgeour Vickers before moving into dealing room sales with Knight-Ridder Financial. After selling banking services with Citigroup and Société Générale he moved into the online market place. Rob ran the global sales teams at Alacra, OneSource, Ascend and more latterly CRU, where he performed a central role in developing global customer relationships and client-focused product development.
Rob has a distinguished track record in high profile financial service companies. He began his career in stock broking with Scrimgeour Vickers before moving into dealing room sales with Knight-Ridder Financial. After selling banking services with Citigroup and Société Générale he moved into the online market place. Rob ran the global sales teams at Alacra, OneSource, Ascend and more latterly CRU, where he performed a central role in developing global customer relationships and client-focused product development.
Fiona Benharoosh
Director
Fiona is a dedicated advocate of innovative B2B marketing practices. She applies creative flair to senior marketing management roles to engage, drive awareness and demand for inbound marketing globally.
During her 20-year career, Fiona has been responsible for all aspects of international corporate marketing, developing and leading strategic brand and communication solutions.
Previously, Fiona was Marketing Director at Reed Business Information (RBI), where she led the successful rebranding and re-positioning of two major information brands, following Flightglobal’s acquisition of Ascend in 2011. Prior to her seven year tenure at Ascend, Fiona also held senior marketing positions with Airclaims, PEI Media and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and was a staff writer at Industry and European magazine.
Fiona holds a BA (Hons.) in Transport Management.
During her 20-year career, Fiona has been responsible for all aspects of international corporate marketing, developing and leading strategic brand and communication solutions.
Previously, Fiona was Marketing Director at Reed Business Information (RBI), where she led the successful rebranding and re-positioning of two major information brands, following Flightglobal’s acquisition of Ascend in 2011. Prior to her seven year tenure at Ascend, Fiona also held senior marketing positions with Airclaims, PEI Media and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and was a staff writer at Industry and European magazine.
Fiona holds a BA (Hons.) in Transport Management.
Dickon Harris
Editor
Dickon operates at the very heart of the aviation financial community and is one of the sector’s most respected journalists. Dickon has been a financial journalist for nine years and spent four years as editor of Airfinance Journal leading the aircraft and leasing finance news and data service from Euromoney.
He was also integral to the expansion of Airfinance Journal’s deals database, editorial and international events portfolio. Before his career in financial journalism, Dickon worked for the former UK MP and Energy Secretary, Ed Davey and has worked on several UK regional newspapers.
Since joining Ishka, Dickon has led the foundation and development of the editorial team and specialist reporting capabilities, delivering breaking news, exclusive features and in-depth interviews with key industry leaders.
Dickon holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Philosophy from the University of Manchester and a MA in International Relations from the University of Aberystwyth
One thing you may not know about Dickon. Dickon is proud of his maternal Colombian heritage and travels to the country as frequently as possible.
He was also integral to the expansion of Airfinance Journal’s deals database, editorial and international events portfolio. Before his career in financial journalism, Dickon worked for the former UK MP and Energy Secretary, Ed Davey and has worked on several UK regional newspapers.
Since joining Ishka, Dickon has led the foundation and development of the editorial team and specialist reporting capabilities, delivering breaking news, exclusive features and in-depth interviews with key industry leaders.
Dickon holds a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Philosophy from the University of Manchester and a MA in International Relations from the University of Aberystwyth
One thing you may not know about Dickon. Dickon is proud of his maternal Colombian heritage and travels to the country as frequently as possible.
Stuart Flaye
Senior Consultant
Stuart has over 15 years’ experience within the aviation industry.
Prior to joining Ishka, Stuart was Technical Director at Hong Kong Aviation Capital (formerly Allco Finance Group) where he was responsible for the day-to-day technical asset management of the HKAC portfolio, the drafting of technical lease documentation, co-ordinating and managing aircraft valuations and investor reporting, along with analysing trends in the aviation market. Stuart previously spent seven years as Senior Analyst at Ascend where he provided advisory services to banks, financiers and lessors.
Stuart holds an HND Engineering qualification from the University of Hertfordshire and a BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering from City University, London.
Prior to joining Ishka, Stuart was Technical Director at Hong Kong Aviation Capital (formerly Allco Finance Group) where he was responsible for the day-to-day technical asset management of the HKAC portfolio, the drafting of technical lease documentation, co-ordinating and managing aircraft valuations and investor reporting, along with analysing trends in the aviation market. Stuart previously spent seven years as Senior Analyst at Ascend where he provided advisory services to banks, financiers and lessors.
Stuart holds an HND Engineering qualification from the University of Hertfordshire and a BEng (Hons) Aeronautical Engineering from City University, London.
Siddharth Narkhede
Analyst
Siddharth has over seven years’ experience in aviation research and analysis. He has a strong background in airline financial research and strategic analysis and has written many business and credit research reports on airlines and other industries alike. Siddharth is an integral part of Ishka's advisory team responsible for development of Airline Credit Profiles and bespoke aviation consultancy projects.
Siddharth holds a MSc in Finance degree from the University of Edinburgh Business School and a Bachelors degree in Business Studies from the University of Mumbai. As part of his masters’ thesis, he had researched the impact of the US Bankruptcy Code (Chapter 11) on the financial performance of US based airlines.
Siddharth holds a MSc in Finance degree from the University of Edinburgh Business School and a Bachelors degree in Business Studies from the University of Mumbai. As part of his masters’ thesis, he had researched the impact of the US Bankruptcy Code (Chapter 11) on the financial performance of US based airlines.
Julie Chen
Analyst
Julie joined Ishka’s advisory team in January 2018. Her role comprises conducting in-depth, forward-looking research and credit analysis on airlines and lessors and the development of new forecasting models.
Prior to joining Ishka, Julie was an intern at Nomura Asset Management in the quantitative investment solutions team in Taipei, where she evaluated equity indexes such as TAIEX, S&P500, FTSE100, and MSCI. Julie also completed an internship with PwC, independently auditing groups for the creation of annual reports in the tech, construction and retail industries.
Julie holds a Masters in Financial Analysis from the London Business School and a BA (Hons) in Business Administration in Finance from the National Taiwan University.
Prior to joining Ishka, Julie was an intern at Nomura Asset Management in the quantitative investment solutions team in Taipei, where she evaluated equity indexes such as TAIEX, S&P500, FTSE100, and MSCI. Julie also completed an internship with PwC, independently auditing groups for the creation of annual reports in the tech, construction and retail industries.
Julie holds a Masters in Financial Analysis from the London Business School and a BA (Hons) in Business Administration in Finance from the National Taiwan University.
Daniel Swirsky Dias
Analyst
Daniel joined Ishka’s Advisory team in August 2020 bringing over six years’ specialist experience in strategy and operations, marketing and customer service. Daniel began his career as a consultant with Deloitte and Accenture, both in Portugal and Angola. His most recent role was with Virgin Atlantic as Loyalty Strategy Manager.
Daniel’s previous assignments include sell-side due diligence for an African flag-carrier, strategic goals assessment for a regional European carrier and sell-side due diligence for a European flag-carrier, leading to its privatisation.
Daniel holds an MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University and an MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Instituto Superior Técnico, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Daniel’s previous assignments include sell-side due diligence for an African flag-carrier, strategic goals assessment for a regional European carrier and sell-side due diligence for a European flag-carrier, leading to its privatisation.
Daniel holds an MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University and an MSc in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Instituto Superior Técnico, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Eduardo Mariz
Analyst
Eduardo joined Ishka as an analyst in January 2019 after two years in Japan completing a Master’s in Economics at Kyoto University.
Eduardo is responsible for researching and writing Ishka’s Insights reports, from the latest developments in the aircraft leasing market to the implications of regulatory changes around the world.
Before joining Ishka, Eduardo worked as a journalist and country risk analyst in Indonesia for three years. Eduardo holds a Bachelor of Media in Communications and Journalism from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Indonesian.
Eduardo is responsible for researching and writing Ishka’s Insights reports, from the latest developments in the aircraft leasing market to the implications of regulatory changes around the world.
Before joining Ishka, Eduardo worked as a journalist and country risk analyst in Indonesia for three years. Eduardo holds a Bachelor of Media in Communications and Journalism from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Indonesian.
Chris Keene
Sales Manager
Chris has over ten years’ experience developing and managing close relationships with clients in global organisations.
A firm advocate of consultative solutions, Chris works closely with clients to understand their strategic goals, external influences and drivers for growth. He has developed key relationships with the banking, leasing and insurance communities across Asia and EMEA.
Chris’ previous roles include senior posts at Flightglobal, Ascend, Thomson Reuters and UBM.
Chris holds a 2:1 in Business Studies from Bristol West of England University
A firm advocate of consultative solutions, Chris works closely with clients to understand their strategic goals, external influences and drivers for growth. He has developed key relationships with the banking, leasing and insurance communities across Asia and EMEA.
Chris’ previous roles include senior posts at Flightglobal, Ascend, Thomson Reuters and UBM.
Chris holds a 2:1 in Business Studies from Bristol West of England University
Noriko Nozaki
Head of Japan and Korea
Noriko has over 15 years’ experience working for international companies in senior sales, marketing and consultancy roles, developing close working relationships and managing strategic accounts within the aviation finance and leasing sectors.
Previously, Noriko was at FlightGlobal/Ascend, managing sales in the Japanese and Korean finance markets, playing an integral role in expanding the company’s N.E. Asia reach.
Noriko’s previous positions include roles at International Data Group and Chiyoda Life Insurance.
Noriko holds a BA (Hons) in English.
Previously, Noriko was at FlightGlobal/Ascend, managing sales in the Japanese and Korean finance markets, playing an integral role in expanding the company’s N.E. Asia reach.
Noriko’s previous positions include roles at International Data Group and Chiyoda Life Insurance.
Noriko holds a BA (Hons) in English.
Ed Sikorski
Chief Sales Officer, Americas
Ed has spent most of his 20+ year career working in the financial services industry. Ed works closely with Ishka’s customers to gain a deep understanding of their business needs and deliver solutions to help them become more successful – and by doing so - ultimately contribute to growing Ishka’s presence in the Americas.
Ed’s financial services experience includes working at both large banks (UBS, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) and boutique firms in sales and trading, capital markets, investments and risk management. He has experience trading and pricing fixed income securities, ABS, MBS and CDO/CLO’s. He has been Founding and Operating Partner of a boutique investment bank and served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. Most recently, Ed was a National Account Manager with Accuity, Inc. (part of the RELX Group), where he had business development and client coverage responsibilities.
Ed is a graduate of Lehigh University and a CFA Charterholder.
Ed’s financial services experience includes working at both large banks (UBS, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) and boutique firms in sales and trading, capital markets, investments and risk management. He has experience trading and pricing fixed income securities, ABS, MBS and CDO/CLO’s. He has been Founding and Operating Partner of a boutique investment bank and served as the firm’s Chief Compliance Officer. Most recently, Ed was a National Account Manager with Accuity, Inc. (part of the RELX Group), where he had business development and client coverage responsibilities.
Ed is a graduate of Lehigh University and a CFA Charterholder.
Gary Lavery
Account Manager
Gary joined Ishka in November 2019 and is the main point of contact for Ishka’s EMEA-based Insights customers. Gary is an enthusiastic and outgoing sales professional who enjoys close working relationships with Ishka’s clientele.
Prior to Ishka, Gary held a number of sales roles including three years at GO Airlines and completed a business studies programme at Colchester Institute Braintree Campus.
Prior to Ishka, Gary held a number of sales roles including three years at GO Airlines and completed a business studies programme at Colchester Institute Braintree Campus.
Victoria Blanco
Marketing Manager
Victoria joined Ishka as Marketing Manager in February 2020 after five years in marketing, sales and research roles at Informa, across a range of international sectors.
Victoria is responsible for lead acquisition and branding for Ishka’s subscription product portfolio and advisory services, creating innovative and engaging campaigns for Ishka’s international markets. Victoria also utilises her excellent design skills in the development of Ishka’s creative sales enablement material.
Victoria holds a BSc. in Management and Business Administration from the University of Oviedo. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Victoria is responsible for lead acquisition and branding for Ishka’s subscription product portfolio and advisory services, creating innovative and engaging campaigns for Ishka’s international markets. Victoria also utilises her excellent design skills in the development of Ishka’s creative sales enablement material.
Victoria holds a BSc. in Management and Business Administration from the University of Oviedo. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Luke Short
Head of Event Operations
Luke is a seasoned international event operations and logistics manager, with first-rate relationship and project management experience.
Luke is passionate about connecting people, building relationships and delivering exceptional and memorable experiences across Ishka’s portfolio of global events. Luke utilises his previous experience in B2B marketing, sales and customer service to inspire creativity and commercial acumen into his role.
Prior to joining Ishka in March 2018, Luke held managerial positions at Euromoney Conferences, Euromoney Institutional Investor, Alt Assets and BMJ. Luke holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology from the University of Liverpool.
Luke is passionate about connecting people, building relationships and delivering exceptional and memorable experiences across Ishka’s portfolio of global events. Luke utilises his previous experience in B2B marketing, sales and customer service to inspire creativity and commercial acumen into his role.
Prior to joining Ishka in March 2018, Luke held managerial positions at Euromoney Conferences, Euromoney Institutional Investor, Alt Assets and BMJ. Luke holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology from the University of Liverpool.
Lewis Price
Business Development
Lewis is an accomplished relationship management and business development specialist, with an unrelenting focus on delivering value for Ishka’s event partners, sponsors and supporters.
Lewis works closely with Ishka’s event production and marketing teams to ensure customers’ critical business challenges and needs are successfully met. Lewis’ previous roles include account management and business development roles at Ascential, Fresh Montgomery and Xperiology.
Lewis holds a 2:1 in English Literature from the University of Manchester.
Lewis works closely with Ishka’s event production and marketing teams to ensure customers’ critical business challenges and needs are successfully met. Lewis’ previous roles include account management and business development roles at Ascential, Fresh Montgomery and Xperiology.
Lewis holds a 2:1 in English Literature from the University of Manchester.
Dean Forrester
Senior Producer
Dean joined Ishka’s events division in February 2020. Dean is responsible for the research, production and delivery of Ishka’s leading international events portfolio, including Ishka’s innovative new Ishka+ virtual service.
Dean brings a wealth of conference production expertise to the Ishka team from his former role as Head of Production for the ExCred Series, Informa’s export finance, credit and political risk insurance portfolio.
Dean holds a BA (Hons) in International Politics from King’s College London.
Dean brings a wealth of conference production expertise to the Ishka team from his former role as Head of Production for the ExCred Series, Informa’s export finance, credit and political risk insurance portfolio.
Dean holds a BA (Hons) in International Politics from King’s College London.
Lorna Stancer
Conference Producer
Lorna joined Ishka’s events division as Conference Producer in February 2020 after taking a brief career break to travel and volunteer in Central and South America.
Lorna manages the market leading content of Ishka’s global events portfolio, researching and curating conference agendas, acquiring international speakers and overseeing events from inception to execution. She works closely with the industry to uncover the most pertinent topics and challenges of the moment; striving to develop engaging and innovative programmes
Lorna holds a first class Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham.
Lorna manages the market leading content of Ishka’s global events portfolio, researching and curating conference agendas, acquiring international speakers and overseeing events from inception to execution. She works closely with the industry to uncover the most pertinent topics and challenges of the moment; striving to develop engaging and innovative programmes
Lorna holds a first class Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham.
Phoebe Weston
Marketing Manager
Phoebe is responsible for marketing Ishka’s international events portfolio, including its innovative new Ishka+ virtual service. Phoebe joined Ishka in October 2019 and works closely with production, operations and sales to ensure the successful delivery of Ishka’s growing calendar of global events.
Phoebe has a successful track record in marketing roles across the events industry having previously worked at RBI, GovNet and GIC. Phoebe has experience of a broad range of industries including finance, petrochemicals, pharma and the public sector.
Phoebe holds a BSc in Psychology from Lancaster University.
Phoebe has a successful track record in marketing roles across the events industry having previously worked at RBI, GovNet and GIC. Phoebe has experience of a broad range of industries including finance, petrochemicals, pharma and the public sector.
Phoebe holds a BSc in Psychology from Lancaster University.
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