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Who we are
GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) is a helicopter leasing and finance company based in Ireland.
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GDHF is rapidly building a large portfolio of newest technology, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters.
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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’s career includes over three decades of leadership experience across aviation, military, business, consulting, finance, commercial roles and senior executive positions in multiple countries. Michael previously 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). Most recently, Michael achieved great success during a 5-year period as the joint Head of Commercial for the world’s largest helicopter finance company.
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.
Head of Commercial
Jamie Bowden
Jamie started his love for aviation in the 1980s watching his father go to work in S-61s in the North Sea. On leaving university in 2003, Jamie joined the British Army where he commissioned into the Army Air Corps and became a Lynx helicopter pilot.
Jamie has held commercial roles in the oil and gas and aviation industry, including at CHC, Maersk Drilling and Milestone Aviation. Jamie holds an Honours Degree from University College London and a Diploma in Aircraft Leasing from the Irish Law Society.
Jamie joined GDHF as VP Commercial in August 2024 with a focus on new business development.
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 Operations
Alistair Claxton
Alistair is Head of Operations for GD Helicopter Finance. Following University he joined the UK Royal Marines, serving in various roles and global locations for 12 years. After leaving military service he joined the consultancy sector, advising clients on digital transformation and capability acquisition.
Alistair ensures that GDHF’s people, processes and technology are aligned to support GDHF’s vision and strategy.
Alistair holds a Bachelor’s of Engineering from the University of Glasgow and a Masters in Applied Security Strategy from the University of Exeter.
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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