After 22 years leading aviation consultancy Helios, Nick McFarlane and Dr Mike Shorthose are stepping down from their executive roles as Managing Director and Chairman. They will move to consultancy roles and remain actively involved in projects across Helios and the wider Egis Aviation business.
Today, Cedric Barbier, Aviation Executive Director at Egis appointed Helios director, Dr Claire Davies, as CEO of Helios. Claire will be supported by an impressive new management team built around the existing directors (Al Corner, Adam Parkinson, James Hanson, Ben Stanley and Mark Scott) all of whom will carry out important roles in the newly re-structured Egis Aviation Business Unit. Details of those and other appointments will follow shortly.
In a joint statement Nick and Mike said: “Helios is in the strongest position it has ever been, with a solid portfolio of clients globally and brilliant and talented staff. We consider this to be the ideal time to pass the baton of leadership to a new management team led by Claire. Having founded Helios in 1996, and lived and breathed it ever since, in some sense it feels like the end of an era. However, it is also the start of an exciting new period under the direction of a fantastic new leadership team, who are focused on delivering value for clients and stakeholders and supporting employees. We have been privileged to work alongside such inspiring people and look forward to stepping back from our day-to-day management roles to focus on consulting on major projects. We wish the team the very best in their new roles.”
Claire Davies, CEO, Helios adds: “Over the past two decades Nick and Mike’s vision and leadership have grown Helios from a small aviation consultancy, into an industry thought-leader at the heart of Egis’ global aviation business unit. I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue their great work and look forward to leading Helios with the same enthusiasm, care and commitment to delivering high quality consultancy for our clients. This will be achieved in partnership with our strong team of Directors, and world-class consultancy staff.”
Claire Davies joined Helios in 2012 having worked in management consultancy since completing her doctorate in 2005. As well as leading Helios’ long-standing work on the Single European Sky with the Industry Consultation Board on behalf of the European Commission, she has advised air navigation service clients globally on governance and strategy. In recent years Claire has combined consultancy work with a significant contribution to company management.
Cedric Barbier, Aviation Executive Director, Egis concludes: “I’d like to thank Nick and Mike for their excellent leadership over the years and welcome them to their new consultancy roles where they will remain actively involved in our projects and integral members of the consultancy team. I’d also like to congratulate Claire on her new position as CEO of Helios, I have no doubt that she will bring her dedication and talent to the role, championing Helios’ continued growth in the future.”
Claire, Mike and Nick will continue to deliver consultancy work for clients in their new roles.