Airnorth Executive Leadership Team
Airnorth is an unlisted public company, independently audited since 1993.
Bristow Helicopters Australia Pty Ltd is the sole shareholder of Airnorth.
At Airnorth, we are supported by our diverse and experienced Executive Leadership Team who are dedicated to the success of the business. Lead by our CEO, Daniel Bowden, the Executive Leadership Team strives to improve business efficiencies, increase revenue, ensure that we exceed industry standards in safety, compliance and management, and deliver on providing reliable quality air services to our communities.
To deliver on these objectives, our corporate governance includes scheduled board meetings, strategic planning and risk management [bi-annual], workshops, formalised budgeting and numerous financial controls overseen by the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee.
Our risk management systems and procedures (including safety management, occupational health and safety, security, government and international relations, document control and internal auditing) are overseen by the Compliance Department.
Daniel Bowden | Chief Executive Officer
Daniel has been Airnorth’s CEO for over seven years and is Bristow Group’s Area Manager in the Asia Pacific Region overseeing all their operations. Daniel commenced with the Bristow Group in 2008 working in senior finance and operational management positions for the Bristow Helicopters Australia Business Unit. Daniel has a Bachelor of Business degree and is a member of CPA Australia having over 27 years of experience in operational, commercial, accounting and financial management for Listed Companies in the marine and aviation sectors. Daniel is also a Director and Finance Chairman on the Regional Aviation Association of Australia Board.
Simon Gibbons | Chief Operating Officer
Simon leads the teams responsible for industry-leading, safe, reliable operations, with oversight of Flight Operations, Network Operations, Ground Operations, Engineering and Supply Chain. Simon has significant regional airline operations and airline management experience as was previously the Airnorth General Manager of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot. He has extensively flown as a Pilot on both Jet and Turboprop Aircraft domestically and internationally. He has held approvals as a Flight Examiner, Flight Instructor and Check Captain in both Simulators and Aircraft. Simon Holds a BSc Hons in Physics and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS).
Katie Bush | General Manager Finance
Katie commenced with Airnorth in 2010 as Corporate Accounting Manager, before moving into the GM Finance role in 2013. Katie has a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). With over 25 years of experience, Katie has a broad range of financial and management experience in the areas of taxation, management and financial accounting. Over the past 10 years Katie has worked, together with the company’s CEO, to develop and strengthen the financial systems and processes of Airnorth to support ongoing growth in operations and revenue with financial integrity and controls.
Russell Quinn-Kent | General Manager Flight Operations
Russell joined Airnorth in 2019 as a line pilot on the Brasilia. With over 18 years aviation experience encompassing turboprop and jet aircraft experience as a line Check and Training Captain, including previous Head of Flight Operations management experience at an ACMI company covering contract, charter and airline operations throughout Africa and the Middle East. Promoted to General Manager Flight Operations – Chief Pilot in 2021, Russell leads the Flight Operations department with his core focus on safe and efficient operations as well as remaining progressive with industry standards and best practices.
Maree Styles | General Manager Corporate Services
Maree joined Airnorth in 2015 and has over 13 years of experience in Human Resource Management and 6 years of experience in IT and IT Management. Maree is responsible for the Corporate Suite of Services at Airnorth encompassing Human Resources, Information Technology and Document Control. Prior to Airnorth, Maree worked for Serco Immigration Services as part of their Senior Management Team. Maree’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Human Resources Management, Diploma of Frontline Management and Certificate IV Government Investigations.
Brad Bertwistle | Head of Airlines Operations
With more than 12 years of aviation experience, Brad has occupied numerous esteemed positions within Airnorth. He has demonstrated his expertise in overseeing airports, optimizing operational and team performance, and delivering impactful results. Brad became an integral part of the Airnorth team in 2011, initially serving as a Customer Service Officer. His dedication and competence led him to evolve into the role of the Head of Airline Operations.
Annette Wallace | Safety and Compliance Manager
Annette has over 20 years of experience working in the aviation safety, occupational health and environment discipline in the public and private sector, with experience in aviation, mining and oil and gas industries. Her previous experience covered development, implementation and auditing of management systems, providing advice on aviation safety, health and environment (HSE) and security related issues and associated training. Her qualifications include Master of Health Science – Occupational Safety and Health, Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, Associate Diploma of Applied Science -Workplace Health and Safety, Bachelor of Applied Science – Health Sciences.
Ata Saffari | Continuing Airworthiness Manager
Ata has 40 years of experience in aviation industry as a licenced aircraft engineer, of which 20 years have been in continuing airworthiness and maintenance management activities in Australia, Bahrain, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, UAE and the UK for public and private transport operations. A licensed aircraft maintenance engineer since 1982, Ata holds EASA and CASA licences along with a Diploma in Air Transport Management from Swinburne University, Melbourne.
Brad Norrish I Supply Chain Manager
Brad Norrish joined Airnorth from Bristow Helicopters in 2020 with over 18 years of Supply Chain experience within the Aviation industry. Brad has a master’s degree in logistics, materials, and Supply Chain Management and has extensive experience identifying and driving innovation into systems and processes to improve business outcomes.
Julian Barry | General Manager Commercial
Julian leads the teams responsible for all commercial activity, including Agency and Trade Sales, Corporate Business Development, Charter Sales, the Airnorth Customer Contact Centre, Marketing and Communications, and Network Distribution. Julian has over 30 years’ experience in aviation and tourism development, and holds an MBA with majors in Marketing and International Business.
David Hancock | Engineering Manager
David Handcock started with Bristow Helicopters in Scotland 26 years ago. Since then, he has grown his career with the company and worked in locations such as Kenya, Libya and China before settling in Australia 15 years ago.