Our Board & Leadership Team

Clair joined CAAi in 2011 and was appointed to the position of Head of Operations in January 2023. Clair leads the Business Services team, responsible for the continuous improvement of our processes and procedures in line with our BSI 9001:2015 accreditation. Clair has 24 years of experience in aviation, with a background in Ground Handling and Airlines Operations, before joining CAAi, where she has project managed our large Capacity Building projects, working to improve safety standards with Regulators and Aviation bodies globally.

Matt was appointed as CAAi's Managing Director in October 2023. As Managing Director, Matt is responsible for leading CAAi’s commitment to improving aviation standards globally and assisting countries to unlock the endless benefits that safe, secure, and innovative aviation brings.

Matthew has been an integral part of CAAi’s leadership team since 2009, having held senior roles including Head of International Development and latterly, Head of International Operations. As Head of International Operations, Matthew’s leadership was instrumental in assisting countries to improve compliance with ICAO requirements, streamlining regulatory operations and processes, and enhancing the overall customer experience for aviation regulators worldwide. Matthew has also championed the use of Regulatory e-Tools and directly programme-managed the implementation of e-Exams for the UK CAA and numerous Authorities globally.

Matt has almost 25 years of aviation experience in senior leadership positions, including posts that have included Group COO and CEO. Matt has proven experience in financial, business development, operations/delivery, risks, strategy and governance, and most importantly, people development and management.

Rob joined CAAi in 2011 and became Head of International Operations for the Asia Pacific region in 2017 responsible for our Programme Delivery. Rob has vast aviation operational and commercial experience with 17 years at BAA plc covering London’s South-East Airports. Rob has a Bachelor Honours Degree of Valuation and Estate Management from the University of West of England and maintains his professional qualification as a Chartered Surveyor.

Richard Joined CAAi in 2010 and became Head of Technical Resource in 2021, responsible for the management and delivery of the technical services across regulatory domains. Richard is an aviation professional with more than 25 years working for the UK CAA and CAAi. Richard has extensive experience in working with major UK and European aerospace companies. Having very strong account manager skills in business development, bid preparation and contracts, he developed a solid know-how in project management, delivering to agreed targets and budgets. Also experienced in coordinating commercial and purchasing teams. From 2006 he was the Senior Project Manager responsible for the outsourced EASA framework contracts that include the provision of certification services and consultancy services in support of international technical cooperation activities.

Alex joined CAA International in 2021 as Senior Manager for International Development and became Head of International Operations and Development in March 2024. His role involves developing strategic relationships and partnerships with international stakeholders and overseeing the delivery of CAAi’s advisory services, assisting government agencies, National Aviation Authorities, and aviation industry partners in raising aviation standards in a global scale.

Alex has 11 years of experience in the Aviation Sector holding different roles across engineering, project management and business development. Alex holds BEng and MSc in Aeronautical Engineering and more recently has earned an Executive MSc in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University.

Silke joined CAAi in 2013 and became Head of Training (acting) in 2023, responsible for the strategic development and delivery of the CAAi Training Portfolio. Silke has extensive experience in the development of Learning Management Systems and Learning technology and has over 20 years of experience in the active application of adult learning principles, learning design techniques and innovative Learning solutions. Silke has a Masters and BA Degree in Business Studies from the University of Brighton.

Managing Insider Risks
Threat Image Projection – Implementation and Analysis
Introduction to Security Culture
Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation Security

Kevin has 18 years of experience working in regulatory roles in the transport sector. Kevin has been working for the UK CAA since 2014, primarily in Aviation Security regulation but also in General Aviation and most recently as aviation security lead in CAAi. Prior to joining the UK CAA, Kevin spent 12 years with the Department for Transport in a variety of security-related roles ranging from compliance, policy, strategy and head of personnel security and vetting. Kevin has significant experience of working on a number of high-profile security events and policies both domestically and internationally with a focus on risk management. Kevin has an MSc in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management.

Ben Alcott graduated in 1992 with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and went on to complete an MSc in Thermal Power at Cranfield University, graduating in 1993.

Following spells in the oil contracting industry, conducting gas turbine research for the government, and at Rolls-Royce Deutschland, Ben joined the UK CAA in 1998 working on engine certification, validation, and rulemaking projects in Europe and with the FAA.

Since then Ben has held a number of management and leadership roles in the UK CAA, covering areas from safety data and safety planning, to personnel licensing and oversight of approved training organisations. From Nov 2013- Nov 2015 Ben led the UK’s CAA’s Performance Based Regulation Programme, the UK CAA’s transformation programme to be a performance based regulator.

In November 2015, Ben was appointed as the UK CAA’s first International Director, leading the CAA's International Group with accountability for CAA International, the CAA’s State Safety Partnership programme and engagement with international institutions such as EASA, ICAO and the European Parliament. Ben is currently the CAA's Professional Services Director and is the Chair on the CAAi Board.

Louise is a qualified Charted Certified Accountant (FCCA) and has worked in finance roles for over 20 years. Louise has extensive experience in both financial and management accounting and have worked within the Finance & Corporate Services department in the CAA for over 17 years.  Louise has manage a team of nine Finance Business Partners who partner across the whole of the CAA facilitating budgeting, forecasting and monthly management reporting.

In recent years, Louise studied for an MBA at Cranfield University sponsored by the CAA, achieving a distinction, and becoming a member of the Chartered Management Institute.  Louise's role has changed and expanded extensively since the completion of her MBA and she has been involved in various high level projects including Project Horizon, Future Funding Model, TOM Implementation and more recently in developing the CAA Efficiency Strategy and the Public Bodies Review work.

In the CAA Finance Director role, Louise brings a strategic view of the financial performance of CAAi providing insight on business decisions impacting the underlying operating profits.

 

Michael joined the CAAi board in 2022 in the capacity as non-executive director. Michael supports CAAi executive management on aspects such as improving corporate governance standards, financial and risk management. Michael joined the UK CAA in 2012 within the Consumers and Markets Group and leads the team responsible for the financial oversight and licensing of all ATOL holders. Michael has extensive financial and credit analysis experience and a deep understanding of consumer protection regulation.

Before joining the CAA, Michael worked in leverage finance supporting mid-market private equity houses' investments in a variety of sectors. Michael has also worked at BDO where he trained as a Chartered Accountant and latterly spent time within their Corporate Finance Transaction Services Team. Michael holds an FCA and BSc in Economics and Accounting.

Iain joined the CAA International Board in 2022. He has previously held board appointments in various sectors including private, public and NfP.

Iain provides consultancy and interim leadership support for organisations seeking to transform their performance.

During the course of Iain’s career he has advised organisations in both the UK and overseas including regulation, strategy, growth and transition through periods of change.

Most recently he has provided support to clients in the healthcare sector, a charity providing humanitarian support and a technology group.

Dilsha is currently acting as the CAA’s interim Deputy General Counsel.  She has been with the CAA since 2006.

Prior to joining the CAA, Dilsha worked for a number of international law firms, advising commercial clients in a range of industry sectors. She qualified as a lawyer in the City.  She provided legal and risk management advice to support Boards and other senior leaders in strategic and operational decision making.

During Dilsha’s time at the CAA, she has worked across the organisation on matters ranging from consumer protection, safety and space regulation, as well as the corporate side of the business.  She currently manages the legal team’s service offering in key areas, which includes assessing financial, legal and reputational risk and supporting CAA colleagues on developing strategy, policy, regulatory outcomes and corporate decisions.

Dilsha was the legal lead in organisational change management including the introduction of new areas to the business, such as Aviation Security and Space. In her leadership role, Dilsha has also driven forward business change.

Dilsha is a keen advocate for wellbeing and Diversity & Inclusion, leading a number of initiatives at the CAA.

Katherine Corich was appointed as a Non-Executive member of the CAA Board on 1 July 2019. She serves on the Audit and Remuneration Committees. Kathrine has extensive experience of corporate governance, performance/risk-based regulation and aviation safety, serving on public, corporate, academic and third sector boards.

Kathrine is currently Chair of the Sysdoc Group and IAP boards, and is a non-Exec director of MyWave Artificial Intelligence, Pure Advantage Climate Change Think Tank and Auckland University Business School.

Katherine is a technology entrepreneur and trained commercial pilot. She was inducted into the NZ Hi-Tech Hall of Fame in 2015 and has been twice named as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year.