Aerobility is delighted to announce three new appointments to its Board of Trustees.

Fleur Cox, Christian Fahey and Ben Griffiths bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the charity, particularly within the fields of law, communications, people and HR.

Fleur Cox is a senior leader at Rolls-Royce with almost 20 years' experience in the Aerospace industry. Currently working with the Civil Aerospace Leadership Team, Fleur has also held multiple roles within Rolls-Royce including Engineering, Programme Management, New Product Introduction and Customer Management. Fleur brings this wealth of experience to the Aerobility team, as well as experience in effective governance at C-suite level.

“Becoming a Trustee of Aerobility was a natural choice”, Fleur said. “I have seen first-hand how charities supporting those with disabilities have helped my own family members have opportunities thought previously not possible”.

As a champion and advocate of inclusion across the industry, Fleur wants to continue to improve advocacy and open up further opportunities for people with disabilities to find employment within Aviation.

Outside of work Fleur is kept busy with two young children and enjoys running. She hopes one day to eventually gain her PPL!

Christian Fahey is an experienced lawyer, company secretary and governance professional. His current position is Deputy General Counsel and Senior Managing Director at Ankura, an international expert services and advisory firm where he oversees all legal, regulatory and company secretarial matters for its business operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific.

Prior to joining Ankura, Christian was Vice President of Legal Affairs to the Aviation Business Unit at Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) providing all legal support for the supply of in-flight broadband, cockpit voice and data, and safety services to airlines globally, working on projects including the European Aviation Network (the world’s first integrated S-band satellite and complementary LTE-based terrestrial network) and the European Space Agency funded Iris Programme (a new satellite-based air-ground communication system for Air Traffic Management). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Christian had been looking for a trustee role where he could apply his skills and experience for the benefit of a charity with a cause he was passionate about.

“As a carer for my uncle who has learning disabilities, I was instantly attracted by Aerobility’s history, its purpose and vision, and the profound impact the charity has on people’s lives” Christian said. “In joining the Aerobility board, I want to help support and contribute to the continued success of the charity in meeting its objectives”.

Christian is looking to bring to Aerobility his enthusiasm and desire to make a difference, coupled with the skills he has developed through his professional career in legal and regulatory matters, risk management, setting and implementing business strategy, crisis management and his governance and company secretarial roles.

Ben Griffiths is the Group Communications Director at 2Excel Group, joining in 2019 to oversee all communications from media relations and public affairs to internal communications, branding and marketing. He previously led the aerospace and defence practice at a leading communications agency, advising and representing some of the biggest international brands in those industries, including Airbus.

A former City News Editor and columnist at the Daily Mail, Ben had a 20 year long career in journalism, during which he was regarded as one of the leading commentators on industry and technology.

Ben is a passionate private pilot, flying a vintage de Havilland Chipmunk, and is an active member of numerous aviation organisations, including the Honourable Company of Air Pilots and the Air and Space Power Association. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and advises several warbird operators on their communications and marketing.

“Aerobility is very much in line with my values” Ben said. “I’ve always believed aviation should be for everyone, regardless of backgrounds, physical or hidden disabilities or neurodiversity. I know from personal experience how aviation broadens horizons, builds self-confidence and forges powerful new connections. I can’t wait to support this fantastic charity to reach new audiences in new places, enabling more people to experience the life-changing magic of flying.”

CEO of Aerobility, Mike Miller-Smith, commented, “The governance and future strategy of the charity will really benefit from these additional skills within the team, ultimately helping us provide the best possible support for disabled people”.

We welcome our new Trustees.