Board

Harry Sherrard qualified as a solicitor in 1988, becoming a partner in a large regional firm before establishing his own practice, Sherrards Employment Law Solicitors, in 1999. The firm specialises in labour law and has a wide-ranging client base, including many international businesses, a number of flag carriers and aviation support businesses. The firm has advised ERA in relation to its in-house HR/employment matters for more than a decade. Harry is a member of the European Employment Lawyers Association.

Johan Pelissier was appointed President of the Europe Region for Airbus in January 2024. Based in Toulouse, Pelissier is responsible for driving Airbus’s growth by leveraging the company’s presence, enhancing cross-business capabilities and building localisation strategies across 50+ European countries. He is also responsible for the sales activity of the Commercial Aircraft business in the Europe region.

Marie-Louise Philippe has over 21 years of experience in the aviation industry with a rich international career, being based in France, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Philippe served in wide ranging commercial leadership roles at Airbus in procurement and customer affairs. She achieved substantial savings while managing various supplier portfolios and built a strong sales record with customers in Europe and Asia.

Simon McNamara joined Heart Aerospace in 2023 as its Director Government & Industry Affairs responsible for leading their interaction globally with government bodies, regulators and industry stakeholders with a view to advocating for the advancement of battery electric flight and the ES-30. 

Prior to Heart, Simon led IATA’s activities in the United Kingdom & Ireland engaging with Governments across a range of policy areas including sustainability, consumer affairs, air traffic management, aviation taxation and market competition issues.  

A seasoned professional with more than 20 years executive level experience, 12 of which as Chief Executive Officer, in South African, African and Central Asian Aviation, currently CEO at Aurigny Air Services. Experienced in start-up, steady-state and business restructuring situations and a proven ability to deliver sustainable financial results in organisations ranging from small (<$100mn turnover, < 500 employees) to large (>$3bn annual turnover, > 10,000 employees).