ABOUT GDHF
GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF) is a start-up helicopter leasing and finance company based in Dublin, Ireland.
GDHF plans to rapidly grow a large portfolio of the newest technology, efficient, cost-effective, multi-mission helicopters, and lease to customers globally.
MICHAEL YORK
CEO
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.
IRINA AKIFIEVA
VP Commercial
Irina is a VP Commercial for GD Helicopter Finance. Irina is responsible for commercial development, managing customer relationships and portfolio placement focusing on customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Irina has over 15 years’ experience in the helicopter industry covering leasing, acquisition and sales of aircraft, maintenance, repair, overhaul, field support, spare parts procurement and sales, training. Irina holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Strathclyde.
JAMIE BOWDEN
VP Commercial
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.
Following his military service, 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.
TIM BLOCKLEY
Business Development
An industry veteran of 27 years, Tim has worked across multiple disciplines in the rotary wing world, focused on sales, leasing and business development activity across all operating sectors of the industry.
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He established H-LEASE in 2011, a specialist helicopter sales and lease brokerage business. Harnessing his extensive global network and knowledge of the helicopter industry, he professionally supports numerous commercial helicopter operators and other institutions in relation to remarketing and business development activity, offering insight and solutions to market challenges.
VIKTORIIA PADALKA
Finance Manager
Viktoriia is the Finance Manager for GD Helicopter Finance.
She leads and executes best practice financial & administrative, strategies, processes, plans and procedures, in line with overall GDHF strategy.
Viktoriia has over 6 years` experiences in tax, audit and accounting. She holds a Master`s degree in Accounting, auditing and taxation from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.
JULIA CHERNOVA
Finance Associate
Julia is the Finance Associate at GD Helicopter Finance.
She is responsible for supporting the management and execution of financial and administrative activities, interfacing as needed with all GDHF entities and external stakeholders.
With 6 years of experience in commercial project management and export management, Julia holds a Master's degree in International Management from Utrecht University of the Netherlands and a Master's degree in Project Management from the Russian Academy of National Economy.
ALISTAIR CLAXTON
Operations Manager
Alistair is the Operations Manager 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.
