The appointment will support Gama's next phase of growth by strengthening alignment across the group and helping its leadership teams translate strategic priorities into coordinated action and measurable results.
Gama Aviation has appointed Ceri Schunmann to the newly created role of chief of staff, reporting directly to group CEO Marwan Khalek.
Schunmann moves into the position from his role as director of rotary, where he played a central part in establishing Bond Helicopters and reintroducing the name to the UK offshore aviation market.
The appointment will support Gama's next phase of growth by strengthening alignment across the group and helping its leadership teams translate strategic priorities into coordinated action and measurable results.
He will work closely with the managing directors of Gama Aviation's five business areas, namely aircraft management and charter, FBO services, MRO, special mission, and technology and outsourcing, together with the group services teams.
By bringing a group-wide perspective to the role, Schunmann will help connect expertise, resources and priorities across the organisation. His focus will include identifying opportunities to share best practice, increase efficiency and accelerate initiatives that support sustainable growth and stronger business performance.
He brings extensive leadership and operational experience gained through his Royal Navy service and subsequent career in commercial rotary aviation. His background in complex, safety-critical environments has developed a strong understanding of disciplined execution, teamwork and effective decision-making.
Most recently, Schunmann led Gama Aviation's rotary operations and helped establish the operational platform, leadership structure and capabilities required to return Bond Helicopters to the UK offshore energy market.
Khalek comments: “Ceri is someone who makes things happen. He understands complex operations, knows how to bring people together and maintains a clear focus on delivery. We have seen those qualities through the role he played in building Bond Helicopters.
“As chief of staff, he will apply that experience across the group, helping our leaders and teams maintain momentum and realise the growth potential within each area of the business. His operational leadership and sound judgement will be extremely valuable as we strengthen the connection between strategy, action and measurable results.”
Schunmann adds: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved within our rotary operations and of the team behind Bond Helicopters. This new role gives me the opportunity to apply that experience more widely across Gama Aviation.
“I am looking forward to working with colleagues throughout the group, connecting our expertise and helping turn our priorities into practical action. There is significant capability and growth potential across the business, and I am excited to support our teams in realising that opportunity while keeping safety, compliance and good governance at the heart of every decision.”
The newly created role builds on the strength of Gama Aviation's existing leadership teams and reflects the group's commitment to drawing on the capability, experience and talent already within the organisation.
It also brings Gama Aviation's value – ‘Performance Driven’ – to life by strengthening the connection between its strategic ambitions and operational delivery.
Schunmann's appointment took effect on 30 July 2026. He will be based in Norwich and will spend time across Gama Aviation's operations as the role becomes embedded.
