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Who we are
GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) is a helicopter leasing and finance company based in Ireland.
GDHF is rapidly building a large portfolio of newest technology, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters.
GDHF Helicopters are leased by Helicopter operators globally and used to deliver critical missions for multiple industry sectors and strong end users, including Offshore O&G, Wind, EMS, SAR, Government, Corporate, Parapublic.
Meet the Team
Senior Leadership Team
CEO
Michael York
Michael York is the founder and CEO of GDHF.
Michael's career includes over three decades of leadership across aviation, military, business, consulting, finance, commercial roles and senior executive positions in multiple countries.
In Michael's early career, he served as a military leader, helicopter pilot and fighter pilot, flying and instructing on the F/A-18 Hornet, including three years on exchange flying with the US Navy.
Michael holds an MBA (with distinction) from the University of Newcastle, and a Bachelor of Science degree (UNSW).
CFO
Ray Cleary
Ray's career spans over 25 years across international corporate banking and aviation including helicopter leasing, aircraft leasing, and fleet management, roles across Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ray holds a MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School, a Masters in Air Transport Management from Cranfield University, and a Bachelor of Science from University College Cork and is a Chartered Management Accountant.
Ray's most recent role was Head of Fleet Acquisition and Asset Management with Air Arabia.
General Counsel
Joe Kearton
Joseph is an experienced General Counsel with deep expertise in the aviation, oil & gas, and renewables sectors. He has advised and led legal functions for international businesses operating across Europe, Africa, and Asia, bringing a practical, risk-aware approach to complex legal and regulatory environments.
A former soldier in the British Army Air Corps, Joseph most recently served as General Counsel of the NHV Group, a global helicopter services provider. His career reflects a strong commitment to strategic legal leadership, operational integrity, and supporting business growth in challenging, high-stakes industries.
Head of Technical
Sam Crisp
Sam is an experienced aviation leader with a background in both engineering and commercial roles across the rotary-wing sector. He has worked in complex operating environments including Search and Rescue, emergency services, and special mission support.
Sam has held leadership positions at Avincis and Bristow, where he was involved in fleet planning, maintenance strategy, and business development across a range of critical operations.
Sam holds a First-Class Honours degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, and is licensed across multiple helicopter types.
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