Top Irish Speakers not to be missed at the Global Air-Finance conference
The 20th anniversary of the Global Air-Finance Conference is almost upon us and is set to be held in the Convention Centre in the heart of Dublin’s docklands.
This year’s event is expected to be something guests will not want to miss as it’s being heralded as “the culmination of twenty years of experience connecting market participants with c-suite executives, leasing companies, financial institutions and investment houses…”
Air-finance specialists from all over the world are expected to descend upon the capital on January 23 with the hopes of rubbing elbows with potential new clients, investors and partners. Offering a wide variety of networking opportunities, along with a plethora of engaging talks and workshops, this year’s conference looks set to be bigger than ever. An impressive feat considering over 1,600 people flocked to the three day event last year.
Attendees can choose from over 80 different talks and workshops over the course of the conference, so which should you focus on? Obviously each guest’s interests will be different and there will be plenty of international executives to catch up with while you’re there.
There a number of Irish speakers listed for the event. Each one is a staple figure within the industry and would have plenty to offer in terms of advice and interesting debate. However, as somebody who has been through the typical Conference setup, you know yourself that you can never make it to every talk you had planned on. Trying to narrow it down to a manageable amount can be tricky, especially if you have multiple agendas or reasons for your visit.
We here at Glandore have done the hard work for you. We have looked through the schedule and have picked out the five most influential Irish business and aviation specialists who should be on the top of your itinerary for this year’s Global Air-Finance Conference.
Peter Barrett—Chief Executive Officer, SMBC Aviation Capital.
After taking up his position in 2004, Peter Barrett is an expert in aircraft leasing and finance and has been doing so for the past 25 years. Previously, he had been working with Guinness Peat Aviation where he specialised in aircraft cross border tax leasing before switching over to SMBC Aviation Capital. He is also a graduate from University College Cork, holding a Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
During his extensive time with the company, SMBC Aviation Capital has become one of the leading aircraft leasing organisations in the world, boasting a fleet of 660 managed aircraft. They are owned by a consortium of leading Japanese institutions including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company limited and Sumitomo Corporation.
Barrett recently appeared on CNBC’s Squakbox programme, discussing the importance of aircraft leasing to Ireland’s economy.
You can catch Peter delivering a talk on Lessor CEO interviews on Day 1.
Brian Brennan—Tax Director & Partner, KPMG.
Brian Brennan is an expert in the world of air-finance and has been a prominent figure within KPMG since 2004. As a tax director for the firm, Brian deals with advisement on cross border mergers and acquisitions, aviation financing, banking, leasing and tax-based fundraising with a variety of different clients, both international and domestic.
In addition to his already impressive purview, Brian also advises on international financing and leasing structures for aircraft and aircraft engines and parts. He currently holds a degree in accounting and finance from Athlone Institute of Technology.
Brian will be delivering a talk on the best ways of future proofing your company in 2018 on Day 1.
Catherine Duffy—Chairwoman, A&L Goodbody.
Catherine Duffy became the first woman to hold the position as Chairperson of A&L Goodbody in 2016, succeeding Peter White. Aside from this, Catherine is a Partner in the Finance Department and Head of Aviation & Transport Finance. With 25 years of experience under her belt at the law firm, Catherine was recognised as one of Ireland’s most influential and successful business women at the Women’s Executive Network 2017 Awards.
Catherine has a wide range of expertise, particularly in aviation and transport finance. Apart from her work at the leading Irish law firm, Catherine takes pride in her involvement in the legal advisory panel to the Aviation Working Group to the Unidroit Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment. She is also the proud owner of a BA in legal science from Trinity College Dublin.
Catherine will be moderating the panel for the discussion around low lease rates in the SLB market on Day 1.
Gareth Delany—Chief Technical Officer/Executive Director, Ping An Aircraft Leasing
Since joining the company back in 2015, Gareth Delany is responsible for leading the Dublin-based team of the branch and for all aspects of technical and asset management of the Ping An portfolio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Gareth has extensive experience in air-finance and similar industries, previously working as Head of Technical and Asset Management at ORIX Aviation and as a specialist in test cells and powerplants at Lufthansa Technik.
Ping An is one of the largest insurance groups in the world and was ranked 19th in the Forbes Global 2000.
David will be speaking on Day 2 of the conference, helping to deliver the 10 golden rules for Asian leasers entering the aviation market.
David Power—Chief Executive Officer/Board Director, Orix Aviation.
Joining Orix Aviation in 1992, David Power has held a variety of different roles in the company before being appointed as Chief Executive Officer in 2006. He was the Head of Asset Management before joining the Board of Directors in 1997. He was appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 2005 before taking on his current role one year later. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from University College Dublin and is also a member of the American Bar Association and the International Bar Association.
David joins the panel for a talk on low lease rates in the SLB market on Day 1.