Emirates Group managers receive prestigious industry awards
DUBAI, U.A.E., 28th January 2010: Four Emirates Group senior managers recently received industry recognition in the Aviation Business Awards 2009.
Dnata’s Executive Vice President Ismail Ali Albanna, an industry veteran, was named Airport Operations Manager of the Year. Since joining the company in April 1967, Dnata has grown under Ismail’s leadership from a small ground handling company whose small team handled the handful of airlines flying into Dubai, to a full service ground handler safely and efficiently satisfying the requirements of over 130 international airlines in challenging, ever changing environment. In 1993 Ismail also lead Dnata’s pioneering move into overseas ground handling, establishing the company’s first ever operation outside the U.A.E. – Gerry’s Dnata - in Karachi, Pakistan.
Patrick Naef, CIO for the Emirates Group’s IT division won the award for Aviation IT Manager of the Year. Patrick has been with the company since 2006 leading a department which has since gained multiple awards and accreditations for its innovative work. Its successes have not just been focused around air transportation services but also the hospitality, retail and cargo logistics sectors. To service these diverse business interests, the Emirates Group IT division had developed sophisticated technology and data centre infrastructure that integrates with various IT systems, business applications and database applications in order to deliver services not just within the Group, but also to its external customers across a range of industries.
Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates’ cargo division has been with the company since the airline’s inception in October 1985. In recognition of his valued work in this field, Ram received the award for Air Cargo Manager of the Year. Over the years, Ram has been a resolute champion of the air logistics industry, actively involved in the development of a number of initiatives, particularly in the field of IT, to address the needs of the industry. He also helped focus attention on air cargo as an integral part of the world trade process.
Brian Jeffrey, Senior Vice President of Emirates’ Corporate Treasury, was awarded the title Financial Person of the Year. Brian joined Emirates in July 2006 having held senior positions in the field of aircraft finance in the banking industry. During his tenure at Emirates, he has led the Finance team to successfully secure financing for the airline and group's continued expansion, using a variety of financing strategies and structures. Including the time he has now worked within Emirates, Brian now has experience in aircraft financing extending to over 25 years and has occupied seats on both sides of the negotiating table.