Michael Black Email and Phone Number

Oversee company operations across the aviation, operations and marketing departments, as well as managing the aviation safety, quality and operational risks as Accountable Manager.This is an emergency Air Ambulance service, requiring a high level of control to mitigate the significant operating risks involved. I am a Member of The Executive Committee, The Aviation and Medical Committee, The Finance and Investment Committee, and serve as AFD Board attendee, providing commercial, operational, financial and legal input across the company while working closely with the CEO and the CFO.I work with an incredible team of professionals across the business, directly managing senior personnel including Chief Pilot, Director of Flight Operations, Director of Maintenance, Safety Manager, Quality Manager, Operations and International Network Manager and Chief Medical Officer, providing ongoing training, to ensure capacity, coverage and expertise to fully support safe, professional jet aircraft operations.I accelerate the growth of the company’s international medevac network, driving revenue and profit lines. My continued analysis of our operational performance has succeeded in driving ‘best-in-class’ flight scheduling, aviation capability and medical care. I work in the sector, because I am really passionate about flying, planes and aviation in general. I led on the complete aircraft fleet upgrade, including the compliant disposal of redundant turbine-engined aircraft fleet (2 Cessna Caravan and 1 King Air aircraft), and the sourcing and purchase of upgraded air stock (2 Pilatus PC12’s, 1 Cessna Citation Bravo and 1 Cessna Citation XLS). This of course included establishing service structure and finalisation of aircraft finance and insurance, managing 3rd party maintenance programs, assessing cost and leading coverage negotiations to maximise aircraft reliability and maintenance; and the issue/renewal of the company’s AOC by Kenyan Civil Aviation Authority.

Aeromedical Solutions is an Australian brokering service that provides case management and cost containment services to facilitate patient repatriation following an injury or illness interstate or overseas. I established and managed the aero medical and aircraft charter company, to provide an end-to-end service model, successfully bringing all services in-house with minimal 3rd party engagement so enabling tighter controls, cost savings, and expansive aeromedical services across Africa and Australasia. I oversaw all operations and financial control of the company, including the successful application and issue of AOC (Aircraft Operating Certificate). I led the business and financial strategy, analysing and directing organisational development, personnel management, budget and resource development; scenario testing and conducting relevant regional and global market research to maximise brand visibility, customer engagement and growth. During my tenure, I oversaw all product/service evolution, from initial analysis, through design, price modelling, testing, strategic roll-out and continuous monitoring of customer satisfaction levels. As it was also my responsibility to manage the health, safety and risk management of the business, I developed programs and structures to ensure continuous quality and safety improvement across all operations. To mitigate any risk, I developed process guides for AOC, SOP and operations manuals to ensure consistent compliance, conducting aviation operations within the parameters of both company and legislative guidelines.I also project managed, in partnership with the CEO, the Business Development support to the Cape Town Red Cross Emergency Service, expanding commercial programmes into East Africa with 18 helicopters/jets, replicating the successful Ethiopian/Zambian mode

Australian based hybrid online gift/membership registry/wedding services business.I successfully co-owned and ran this A$3m t/o hybrid business; having recognised it’s potential as an organisation which could cross the bridge between bricks and mortar retail, the growing eCommerce market, and valuable online subscriptions to wedding services and gift list options.After a period of market analysis and research, I oversaw all financial and administrative functions, and led organisational development by initiating critical legal, insurance, audit, supplier and banking relationships - achieving revenue growth of 200%+ in 3 years. I rolled-out a business turnaround strategy which increased market share and sales by over 300%, with the development of an integrated online retail and registry software platform, enabling the Sales Director to create and strategically plot product listings through Shopify sites, eBay, and Amazon, providing an end-to-end system of stock management, sales analysis, promotion, and financial reporting. I established company policies and procedures, setting, monitoring and controlling operational standards, cost control, security, KPI’s, and training for a permanent team of 8 sales support staff and 4 warehouse staff, and seasonal interns for events and exhibitions.Our successful sales and financial management of the business allowed us to accurately forecast market trends and financial scenarios, leading to a strategised exit.

Riversdale Mining is an Australian (ASX listed) mining company, its primary concern is coalmining in Africa; I directed all the aviation led business operations, managing aircraft assets, assessing and selecting the most appropriate aircraft finance, lease and insurance options, conducting risk management and mitigation. I oversaw all contractual, financial, operating and group insurance and risk procedures related to aircraft purchases and operations, collaborating with the Group tax advisor, auditors and attorneys to successfully address and mitigate ownership, operational risk, and audit issues. A major vision for the business, was the ownership and operation of its own jet aircraft; I structured an offshore aircraft ownership entity to support the purchase of a A$15m jet – I then managed all aircraft operations, maintenance and support – developing accounting processes, cash flows, administration and budgets for aviation department. This also required my extensive knowledge of the aviation sector, to enable effective liaison, negotiations and ongoing relationships with aircraft maintenance providers, FBO’s, and aircrew – designing and delivering aircrew training to drive consistent service and safety levels. Responsibilities; Contractual, financial, operating and group insurance/risk issues surrounding the group’s purchase and operation of a Lear jet aircraft. Structure and finalise off shore ownership structure. Investigate various aircraft finance and lease options. Manage the aircraft related risk issues and the insurance thereof. Operating budgets and cash flows. Accounting, administration and reporting policies and procedures. Negotiate and contract with the preferred aircraft operator for the aircraft’s operation, maintenance and support. Consult with the group’s tax consultant, auditors and attorneys on various ownership, operational and audit issues.

Aviation financial services group employing 52 full time staff. Air Affairs Holdings responsibilities: 1. Group financial control, monthly reporting, KPI’s and variance analysis, cash flow management and analysis, and risk management. 2. Identify critical risks and implement (and ensure compliance with) the necessary internal financial controls 3. Budgets, forecasts and capital expenditure planning. 4. Manage the centralised accounting and broker support departments, (10 staff members). 5. Upgrade and maintain the Group’s administration, accounting and software systems and controls (including ongoing process development).6. Group income tax planning and compliance. 7. Manage relationships with the Group’s insurers, bankers and auditors. 8. Management and control of foreign exchange exposures. 9. Legal, secretarial and general compliance, including legal contract reviews. Achievements1. Complete redesign and overhaul of all the accounting and administration systems.2. Cash flow management and forecasting system designed and implemented.3. ‘Insurance Premiums Trust’ bank accounts, with the necessary supporting administrative and accounting systems and controls, put in place.4. Designed and implemented an upgraded, integrated accounting and administration software package. 5. Accurate monthly financial reporting, KPI’s and variance analysis for the group companies.Aviation Finance Solutions responsibilities:

Responsibilities1. Staffing (including recruitment, training, etc) of the Finance and Administration department. 2. All audit and tax opinions, budgets and forecasts – necessary for a start up business..3. Various legal agreements and documentation requirements.4. Design, implement, maintain and improve accounting and administration systems and controls.5. Financial reporting and variance analysis (including KPI’s), both monthly accounts and annual audited financial statements.6. Identify critical risks, and design and implement risk mitigating internal controls and procedures.7. Oversee IT system including development work and upgrades.8. Funding sources, structures and funder relationships.9. Approval and credit sign off of vehicle finance and lease applications.10. Manage and administer the Vehicle Maintenance Fund, including the approval of maintenance rates, maintenance claim procedures and payouts.11. Manage and administer the vehicle Residual Value Insurance program/facility, including the management of premium payments and claims. 12. Tax planning, secretarial duties, legal, tax and audit compliance. Achievements1. Profitable vehicle finance and maintenance business established which claimed significant market share. 2. Unique off Balance Sheet funding structures.3. Fully functional and reliable IT capability and database for FML business developed ‘from scratch’.

Responsibilities1. Upgrade and maintain the financial, administrative and internal control systems and procedures.2. Support and partner the CEO and the management team with a complete restructure of the business. 3. Review and upgrade the business processes and organisational structure.4. Support various marketing and sales initiatives aimed at increasing sales and margins.5. Control and analyse cash flows ensuring monthly cash collection targets are set and met.6. 6. Timeous and accurate monthly management accounts and annual audited financial statements. 7. Risk and asset management.