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
Marketing 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.
Lucia Cebotaru
Senior Analyst
Ishka Advisory
Lucia is a highly skilled analyst with over a decade of experience in both the financial and energy sectors, with previous posts including six years in aviation finance at Deutsche Bank in London.
Lucia joined Ishka’s Advisory team in October 2016 and works closely with the head of department on global consultancy projects and the Insights team, conducting forward-looking analysis of industry trends and analysing investment opportunities for clients.
Lucia holds a MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a MA in International Studies from the University of Notre Dame.
Lucia joined Ishka’s Advisory team in October 2016 and works closely with the head of department on global consultancy projects and the Insights team, conducting forward-looking analysis of industry trends and analysing investment opportunities for clients.
Lucia holds a MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a MA in International Studies from the University of Notre Dame.
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.
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 Sales 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.
Diane van Zwanenberg
Head of China
Diane champions Ishka’s relationship management and business development operations in China. Based in Hong Kong, Diane has a first-rate track record in identifying and developing new, strategic revenue streams and leading multi-disciplinary teams.
Prior to joining Ishka in May 2018, Diane held senior managerial roles at Debretts, Flightglobal, Ascend and FTSE. Alongside her role at Ishka, Diane also pioneers wellness and environmental initiatives through her organisation Coconut Matter. Diane holds a MBA in Business Administration from Murdoch University and BA (Hons) in Marketing from Curtin University of Technology.
Prior to joining Ishka in May 2018, Diane held senior managerial roles at Debretts, Flightglobal, Ascend and FTSE. Alongside her role at Ishka, Diane also pioneers wellness and environmental initiatives through her organisation Coconut Matter. Diane holds a MBA in Business Administration from Murdoch University and BA (Hons) in Marketing from Curtin University of Technology.
Tom Preselo
Head of Production
Ishka Events
Tom joined Ishka in August 2016 from Euromoney, where he managed a large portfolio of events covering trade finance and banking.
Tom is responsible for developing Ishka’s global aviation finance event portfolio, from conception to delivery. He is passionate about applying a fresh and innovative approach to bring the air finance community together and pioneering unique ways of structuring content and events.
Tom holds a 2:1 in Classical Studies and Philosophy from the University of Exeter.
Tom is responsible for developing Ishka’s global aviation finance event portfolio, from conception to delivery. He is passionate about applying a fresh and innovative approach to bring the air finance community together and pioneering unique ways of structuring content and events.
Tom holds a 2:1 in Classical Studies and Philosophy from the University of Exeter.
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.
Harriet Coates
Conference Producer
Harriet joined Ishka in October 2017. Harriet is responsible for researching and producing innovative, cutting edge agendas and securing top-class speakers for Ishka’s international portfolio of events.
Harriet works closely with colleagues in sales and marketing to ensure the ethos of each event is maintained throughout the production process, from initial concept through to delivery.
Harriet’s previous roles include analyst positions with Concentra Analytics and Kantar Worldpanel, where she was responsible for advising clients on marketing and organisational strategy and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
Harriet holds BSC (Hons) 1st class in Economics from Newcastle University
Harriet works closely with colleagues in sales and marketing to ensure the ethos of each event is maintained throughout the production process, from initial concept through to delivery.
Harriet’s previous roles include analyst positions with Concentra Analytics and Kantar Worldpanel, where she was responsible for advising clients on marketing and organisational strategy and managing relationships with key stakeholders.
Harriet holds BSC (Hons) 1st class in Economics from Newcastle University
Melanie Richards
Marketing Executive
Melanie joined Ishka in October 2017. Melanie is responsible for employing best practice and creative flair across all digital and offline marketing activities for Ishka’s international event portfolio, including database management, branding and creating compelling and innovative marketing campaigns.
Previously, Melanie was senior marketing executive with Immediate Media where she was responsible for planning and implementing strategic marketing campaigns for Radio Times magazine.
Melanie holds a BA (Hons) in Marketing, Advertising and Communications from the University of Gloucestershire
Previously, Melanie was senior marketing executive with Immediate Media where she was responsible for planning and implementing strategic marketing campaigns for Radio Times magazine.
Melanie holds a BA (Hons) in Marketing, Advertising and Communications from the University of Gloucestershire
Bianca Ardeleanu
Account Manager
Bianca joined Ishka in August 2017. Bianca manages key relationships with new and existing customers of Ishka’s Insights portfolio, delivering value-driven initiatives for clients and prospects across the globe.
Previously Bianca held sales and account manager roles with GennGlobal and GlobalData.
Bianca holds a BA (Hons) in Production and Transport Management and M. Eng from the Politehnica University of Timisoara.
Previously Bianca held sales and account manager roles with GennGlobal and GlobalData.
Bianca holds a BA (Hons) in Production and Transport Management and M. Eng from the Politehnica University of Timisoara.
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