Chapman Freeborn makes leadership changes in Asia

Chapman Freeborn, the global air charter specialist that forms part of Avia Solutions Group, has named Mark Thibault as president, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Alain Champonnois as president, India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA).

The appointments complement the opening of a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the broker looks to grow in Asia.

Eric Erbacher, group chief executive, commented: “Mark and Alain are both extremely experienced aviation professionals.

“Their decades of expertise combined with their local market knowledge [of] their respective regions gives me every confidence that they will be extremely successful in their new roles.”

He added that he will be working with them closely to execute Chapman Freeborn’s ambitious growth strategies for both APAC and IMEA.

Thibault has worked in business aviation for 40 years, holding mission-critical business, quality, safety, and senior management roles for well-known operators in the Middle East, Asia, and the US.

Mark Thibault. Source: Chapman Freeborn

“The opportunities in APAC are tremendous. I’m looking forward to working with new colleagues and clients across the region,” said Thibault.

Champonnois joins Chapman Freeborn, having held senior positions in business aviation for more than 25 years.

He said he intends to share his expertise in the region and drive Chapman Freeborn’s services forward at a strategic level.

“The IMEA market is growing and there are a lot of exciting opportunities ahead of us,” he added.

Chapman Freeborn’s new office in Saudi Arabia was – the broker said –­ opened in response to growing demand in the region as well as to better serve customers operating within the IMEA area.