Our ambassadors

Chosen within Thales for their operational and strategic knowledge and experience, they are able to lead innovation around key ATC issues.

Venugopal Kozhipurath ATM SME for ECC at Thales

Background
28 years of Air Traffic Management domain experience, with 22 plus years as an Indian military ATCO, in Tower and Approach (procedural and Radar), operational incharge of ATM in major bases, commanded a radar unit, Instructor in the ATC academy and ATM System verification validation.

Domain of expertise
Extensive operational knowledge of ATM in procedural Tower and Approach, Approach Radar and Limited Enroute both Military and Civil. Experienced in managing ATM operational units, Domain Training, ATM system verification & validation.

Leon van der Merwe Air Traffic Management Specialist at Thales

Background
28 years as a Tower and Approach Controller. Held ratings in South Africa, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Finished his controlling career as a Supervisor in Dubai Approach. Has since worked in the ATM industry mainly for Thales Systems in France as a ATM Specialist.

Domain of expertise
Tower and Approach

Warren Beeston ATM Operational Expert at Thales at Thales

Background
Over 35 years experience in Air Traffic Control in Australia, the Middle East and European regions.

Domain of expertise
Experienced in managing systems from procurement to operations and operational centres in the Air Traffic Domain. Advisor to several ICAO panels and groups setting the pathways for the future in Aviation

Annis Anderson ATM Operations Support and Training Manager at Thales

Background
29 years of Aviation experience including Pilot, Air Traffic Control, Training and ATM Systems.

Domain of expertise
Tower, Approach and Enroute control, Enroute ATC Instructor, ATM System trainer, ATM System Verification&Validation, ATM System Operational support

Frank Erb Digital Aviation Market Development at Thales

Background
In the ATM domain since he graduated from a French Computer Science university. Accumulated a vast experience from software implementation to program management, as well as digital transformation. Lead large multinational teams across Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East, with customers including air navigation service providers, airlines, airport operators and central government departments.

Domain of expertise
Seasoned aviation professional with 30 years international MNC experience in managing and growing solutions and services businesses within the aviation industry. Well-versed in the intricacies of cross-cultural communication and international business dealings.

Fernando Jeronimo AMS Operational Authority Director at Thales at Thales

Background
Air Traffic Flow Management, Air Traffic Control and Airline Flight Operations in several countries in Europe and the Middle-East.

Domain of expertise
Solid knowledge in Air Traffic Management operational aspects, network flight operations and air traffic control. Exercising functions now as ATM specialist for Thales.

Satish Kumar CNS/ATM Business Development at Thales

Background

Air Traffic Management professional with 23 years of experience in a multi-faceted role, excelled in customer engagement through various programs within ICAO MID, AFI & EUR region. Graduate in Electronics & Communication Engineering with operational  Air Traffic Control experience, qualified for Aerodrome Tower, Oceanic control, Terminal Approach, En-Route Surveillance Radar and OJT Instructorship with Airports Authority of India. He is currently responsible for nurturing CNS/ATM business in the Middle East Asia and India.

Domain of expertise

Operational lead in SESAR Work Packages related to Inital-4D & iCWP, worked closely with European ANSPs during flight trials and real time validation exercises. Proficiency in developing business development strategy defining regional market priorities working closely with the Civil Aviation and Military customers, engagement through trainings and workshops. In depth knowledge and expertise in operating variety of automation systems designed for TMA, En-route, Oceanic & Airport operations including specialized tools such as Flow Management, Datalink, Simulation and conflict detection.  

Duncan Kennedy Project Design Architect/Senior Systems Engineer at Thales

Background
30+ years in Air Traffic Management across a range of roles including Air Traffic Controller, Instructor, ATM Automation specification/design, Project Management and ATC Procedures & Standardisation.

Domain of expertise
ATM Operations, Automation in ATC systems, Operational Concept development and system design.

Mark O'Flynn Innovation Manager AMS at Thales

Background
Australian ATC for 12 Years. Many roles within Thales, including customer training, cutover support, bids and demonstrations, product design, research and innovation.

Domain of expertise
Air Traffic Control, System Design, Human Factors, Innovation

Geoff Bates Operational Authority at Thales

Background
Involved in ATC since 1986, starting as a Radar and Radio Technician, before moving on to Air Traffic Control, have now been supporting Thales AMS in Europe and Australia since 2000.

Domain of expertise
Extensive operational ATC knowledge in Aerodrome and Approach Control