Board of Directors
Stuart McLauchlan
Phil Veal
Craig Donaldson
Craig Donaldson is a financial services veteran with leadership experience at global institutions like Merrill Lynch, Deutsche Bank, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. He currently advises and directs several New Zealand businesses, including Nikko Asset Management, the Icehouse Foundation, Jasper Property, and Craggy Range Vineyards. A licensed helicopter pilot, Craig previously chaired the Capital Group for the Waitematā District Health Board.
Michael Stiassny
Michael has extensive business, financial, strategic advisory and governance experience. He is currently Chair of Tower Limited, 2 Cheap Cars Ltd and Director of Momentum Life Insurance Limited, Tegal Group Holdings Limited, and New Talisman Gold Mines Limited.
With a keen interest in ensuring the justice system is accessible to everyone, Michael is a Director of leading New Zealand litigation funder, LPF Group Limited. He also dedicates significant time to start ups and championing entrepreneurship through his involvement in Founders Advisory.
Michael holds both Commerce and Law degrees from the University of Auckland and is a Chartered Fellow and past President of the Institute of Directors.
Senior Leaders
Annabel Toogood
Emma George
Emma George joined NZ Air Ambulance Service in 2023, bringing expertise in operations management from the horticulture and manufacturing sectors. Known for building high-performance teams, Emma focuses on process improvement and collaborative problem-solving to enhance organisational efficiency and achieve strategic goals.
Rowan Brookfield
Our charter operations manager Rowan Brookfield is in charge of the organisation and management of all charter arrangements and logistics.
He works diligently to ensure that our clients are well taken care of during all aspects of their charter experience.
Dylan Robinson
Dylan Robinson brings extensive experience in aviation safety, starting as an Aeronautical Maintenance Engineer with Air New Zealand and advancing to a lead auditor and investigator role. With expertise in Safety Management Systems (SMS) and a commitment to aeromedical safety, Dylan ensures the effectiveness and continuous improvement of our Integrated Safety Management System, supporting a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.
Dr. Ross Freebairn (MBchB, Dip Obst, FANZCA, FRCPE, FCIM)
Dr. Ross Freebairn is an Intensive Care Consultant at Hawke’s Bay Hospital and Associate Dean for Otago University. He also serves as the Medical Director for NZ Air Ambulance Service and holds leadership roles within critical care organisations across Asia and the Pacific. With extensive experience in ICU and global training programs, Dr. Freebairn remains dedicated to advancing critical care standards.
Dr. Shay McGuinness (MBChB, FFICM, FRCA, FANZCA )
Dr. Shay McGuinness is the Clinical Director for NZ Air Ambulance Service and an intensive care specialist at Auckland City Hospital’s Cardiothoracic and Vascular ICU. Since 2015, he has overseen clinical operations for air ambulance patient transports and offers telemedicine support to hospitals throughout the South Pacific.
Angela Coward
Glen Corke
Appointed in 2024, Glen Corke brings a wealth of global finance experience across multiple industries. He holds a Bachelor of Management Studies from the University of Waikato and has been a Chartered Accountant for over 20 years.
Tom Bridgeman (CA)
Tom is a qualified Chartered Accountant who has been with the company since 2018.
He began his career at BDO in Wellington, gaining a strong foundation in finance and accounting, before broadening his expertise with two years of international experience in Edinburgh.
Tom brings a strategic and analytical approach to his role, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the company’s financial operations run seamlessly.
Phil Slattery
Phil Slattery oversees fleet maintenance, bringing 30 years of aeronautical engineering experience across diverse aircraft types. Since joining in 2015, he has been instrumental in establishing the maintenance division’s NZCAA Part 145 certification.
Keith Bartleet
Keith Bartleet, with 25 years of aviation experience, has been an essential part of the team since 2016. His expertise spans a range of aircraft, including Kingair 90, 200, 350; Cessna 510, 680; and engines such as the PT6 series, PW615F, PW306C, and FJ44-3AP. Keith played a key role in establishing our Part 145 Maintenance system, ensuring robust engineering standards across the fleet.
Warwick Wild (CAA FI/FE, ATPL)
Warwick Wild, an experienced flight examiner with an ATPL, oversees flight standards for NZAAS. With expertise in various aviation sectors, he ensures high operational standards through rigorous flight tests under Part 125 and 135 certifications.
Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams is a skilled Flight Operations Manager with a New Zealand ATPL and type ratings in C680, C510, and B200 aircraft. With over five years at NZAAS, Ryan is dedicated to delivering safe and exceptional aeromedical and charter flight operations.