John has been in the civil aviation industry for over 60 years, initially with various airlines including British United Airways, before joining Servisair in 1968. He became Commercial Director, then Managing Director and subsequently Chairman and CEO. He was a founder Vice Chairman of the International Ground Handling Council and Chairman of the International Aviation Handlers Association until December 2010. He now assists a number of ground handling related companies in various capacities in different parts of the world.
Mohammed has over 30 years’ experience in the ground handling, aviation, and logistics sector.
Mohammed joined Unilode in November 2022 after 11 years at dnata (Emirates Group), most recently as Chief Commercial Officer Europe.
Prior to dnata, Mohammed spent over 20 years with Servisair in various roles in Ground and Cargo Handling starting from operations through to Senior Commercial Executive positions.
Max joined GHI in 2017 after launching and hosting conference and award events in the UK manufacturing industry. A trained journalist, Max strives to deliver innovative content on stage, online or in print that challenges, educates and entertains. As a non-aviation professional — Max is always eager to don the hi-vis jacket and get out on the apron to experience the everyday challenges facing ground handling businesses and their airline customers. Max graduated as a biochemist from Cardiff University in 2001. He became a NUJ/NCTJ accredited journalist in 2003. Max went on to an award-winning 14-year editorial career including stints at magazines in the UK pub, pharmacy and manufacturing sectors. Outside of work — Max is never far from a book, the fridge or the 5-a-side football pitch.
Roger Larreur has over 30 years of experience in the aviation industry. Beginning his career with Braniff Airlines, in Orlando, Florida, he went on to hold various senior and executive operational management positions with PanAm, Alitalia, Silver Airways (formerly Gulfstream International), and American TransAir.
In 2002, he began his career at the largest global ground handling company, Swissport USA, Inc, a division of Swissport International, as General Manager for Orlando Sanford and Orlando International Airport. Throughout his twenty years in the company, he served in various executive leadership positions including Vice President of Sales – East Region, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for NOAM, and finally, Chief Commercial Officer. In this role, was responsible for commercial and contract management for all lines of business in the NOAM and LATAM region.
During his 20 years with Swissport, his affiliations included the following: Swissport Japan Ltd Member, Board of Directors (March 2013-May 2016); IATA (INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION) AGSA Member (May 2011-September 2015); ASPA (Airline Service Providers Association) Member, Board of Directors (2013-2015);
In April of 2022, he was appointed by Alliance Ground International (AGI) as Chief Commercial Officer, responsible for all commercial and contracts management. During his time as CCO, he has led the commercial integration of three companies acquired by AGI – Total Airport Services, Airport Terminal Services, and MIC Cargo.
Laura McGrath leads Marketing & Corporate Communications at Mallaghan. She graduated from Ulster University with an Honours Degree in Communications and Public Relations and has been part of the Mallaghan team for the past three years. Since joining, she has found a new passion for the GSE industry and has made some amazing connections over the years, including having the fantastic opportunity to create a Women of GSE network alongside Abbie Hepler and Karla Harrington. Her role allows her to collaborate and lead on a variety of projects, from commercial initiatives to community engagement and public relations. She is passionate about their products, people, and company culture, and she loves bringing their brand’s story to life through strategic marketing and communication efforts.
Leading through innovation, William is the Director of Airport solutions for Ozion. He has overseen the effective use of technology to transform operations for assisted passengers in the full range of airport sizes, from smaller regional to large airport hubs. An active listener, William strives to understand all the stakeholder’s needs to ensure the best possible solutions.
Sam is the Editor of Ground Handling International magazine and Ramp Equipment News but is excited to announce this year she will also be taking on the role as Conference Producer for Ground Handling International, working alongside Max and the team. She started in the industry in 2021, hitting the ground running, travelling and meeting key players across the world, learning and reporting on the fascinating insights concerning the industry and building important client relationships. She has more than 20 years of experience in journalism, with previous newspaper and magazine publishers, with at least eight years’ experience in B2B publishing. She has a BA (Hons) in Modern Languages and European Studies.
Nick Pelham began his career cleaning aircraft in Manchester in 1996 after which he worked in multiple roles within ground handling operations on the front line and in operational management, planning and service delivery. He then joined the Monarch Airlines Ground Operations Team in 2013 before joining easyJet in 2017 where he currently leads the Ground Operations Quality and Safety Team and has network responsibility for risk, readiness, safety and assurance. He is also a member of the leadership team for the CAA led GHOST (Ground Handling Operations Safety Team).
Jennifer Zecchino is a dynamic marketing and communications executive with decades of experience in aviation, aerospace, and ground support equipment (GSE). As Executive Director of IAEMA, she champions industry growth, member engagement, and global visibility for aviation equipment manufacturers.
Her background includes leadership roles with top GSE manufacturers such as JBT AeroTech, ITW GSE, and Bye Aerospace. Jennifer understands the needs of end users and consistently delivers strategies that drive brand impact and operational value. Her deep passion for aviation and commitment to excellence fuel her ability to build strong industry partnerships, launch high-impact campaigns, and position organizations as market leaders.
She holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Aviation Technology from Metropolitan State University of Denver. A certificated FAA pilot, Jennifer brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and marketing expertise to every initiative.
