Mahendra has dedicated over three decades to community service and leadership, driven by the motto “to serve,”. A proud representative of both the Gujarati and British communities, he actively works toward creating a happier, more prosperous future for generations, not only in London but across the UK. Mahendra is particularly committed to fostering stronger ties between the UK and India, building connections through business, cultural exchange, and community development.
His efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ambassador Award for Friends of Good Health (June 2020), the Eurasian Business Award (2023), and the Nobles of Commonwealth Nations Award (October 2024). Notably, Mahendra received the Global Business Leadership Award (2020) for his outstanding contributions to the UK-India partnership, as well as the Bharat Gaurav Award at the British Parliament in 2018.
In his leadership roles, Mahendra serves as the Honorary President of Global Philanthropy Entrepreneurs within the Commonwealth Entrepreneurs Club and President of GOPIO London (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin). His past positions include Founder Director and Vice Chairman of NFRN Mutual (Insurance) and National President of NFRN (2004-05)—the first Asian to hold this esteemed role in the UK’s retail sector.
A philanthropist at heart, Mahendra is the Ambassador and founder trustee of Pass It On, a charity supporting the homeless, and an Ambassador for the Loomba Foundation, which aids widows worldwide. He has also been honoured with awards for his entrepreneurial and social responsibility achievements, including the GOPIO Award for Outstanding Entrepreneur in Bahrain and the NRI Award in Delhi, India.
Mahendra’s contributions to the community extend to his leadership roles with various organizations, including the Rajput Samaj of UK, the National Congress of Gujarati Organisations, and the Sardar Patel Memorial Society UK. He is an Honorary Member of LABA (Leicestershire Asian Business Association) and serves as Executive Director of Mak In India, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and collaboration between Indian businesses and the UK.
In his work, Mahendra ensures his team respects Indian culture and maintains strong relationships with Indian commercial entities and transport departments, enhancing the passenger experience and business partnerships.
Chairman
Charlie has over 30 years of global experience in the low-cost airline industry, having encountered virtually every challenge. He transformed Ryanair into a profitable low-cost carrier, founded Tiger Airways in Singapore, consulted for Webjet in Brazil and assisted Ryanair’s LaudaMotion acquisition. He brings outstanding industry knowledge, commercial awareness, and strategic management.
Non-Executive Director
Raj has some 20 years experience in risk management disciplines. Advised various governments, companies, authored and trained many thousands in managing risks.
Chief Executive and Founder
Nino brings extensive financial and management expertise to flypop, with a career spanning both Formula 1 and the City of London. After earning an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering, he worked at Team Lotus F1, then transitioned to bond trading with Lehman Brothers. He later co-founded flypop, driving the project's success since 2017.
CTO and Founder
Bobby is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer with over 20 years of experience in capital markets and eCommerce. Known for his open, straightforward leadership, he fosters transparency and collaboration within teams. His leadership style encourages innovation, accountability, and trust, empowering teams to solve complex challenges. He is s also a founding director of Flypop.
Chief Operating Officer - AOC Accountable Manager
Hitesh Patel is a seasoned aviation start-up specialist with over 30 years' experience in operations, financial planning, and business development. Formerly JetBlue’s Technical Director, Kingfisher Airways’ COO, and Veling Aviation's CEO, he now leads Blu3Aero consultancy, advising Riyadh Air on operational strategy and regulatory compliance for airline innovation.
Chief Commercial Officer
Mike is a results-driven C-suite executive with extensive experience in commercial leadership and investment management. Since 2022, he has served as Head of Legal at flypop, recently becoming Chief Commercial Officer, playing a key role in driving business growth and operational excellence across various sectors.
Chief Financial Officer (FCCA)
With over 30 years in the aviation industry, Paul is an accomplished CFO and FCCA fellow. He has held senior leadership roles at major airlines, specialising in financial and strategic planning, risk management, and team leadership, driving profitability and operational excellence throughout his career.
Executive Manager
Adele is the Executive Manager of flypop, with a diverse background in tourism, aviation, and pharmaceuticals. Starting her career at Ryanair, she held various roles that refined her customer service, operational, compliance, licencing, and recruitment skills. Committed to safety and operational excellence, Adele excels in teamwork, communication, and multitasking.
Technical Director - AOC Nominated Person Continuing Airworthiness
Ian is an accomplished aviation executive with an MBA and extensive experience in supply chain management, procurement, and commercial strategy. He has held senior roles at Flybe, Wizz Air, and AJW, delivering sustainable performance improvements and advising airlines on aftermarket MRO services
Chief Investment Officer
Chris, a Canadian financial expert, brings over 30 years of global experience in advising and fundraising for private and public companies. His background spans several top-tier investment banks, including UBS, and prior business ventures in India, making him a valuable asset to the team.
Head of Business Development - MENA
Richard has nearly 40 years of experience with Fortune 500 bigtech and fintech companies. He co-founded Redair, launched Saudi Arabia's SADAD payments platform, and collaborates with flypop while splitting his time between the UK, UAE, and KSA
Financial Controller
Rebecca McKenzie is a finance professional with 20+ years of experience, specialising in the travel industry. She excels in financial management and strategic planning, optimising performance and fostering growth through collaborative leadership and tailored solutions.
Digital Marketing and Communications Director
Natalie brings over 20 years of senior marketing experience to Flypop, developing impactful brand strategies for companies ranging from global giants to startups. A proponent of data-driven approaches, she aligns marketing initiatives with business objectives while enhancing audience engagement for lasting connections.
Head of ICT
Gary is an experienced IT professional, formerly a Senior Technician at The Beckett Group and IT Manager at Atkinson Bolton Consulting. Currently, he serves as an IT Consultant for Bridge Partners Ltd, managing diverse support contracts and gaining extensive expertise in Microsoft software, networking, and data protection. He has also contributed pro bono on various projects.
