Operational management system supplier, Centrik, has further expanded its team with two new appointments, helping to support the continued growth of the business.

Lee Russell joins Centrik’s Aerospace and Airports department, working with the growing list of global airports interested in the system’s powerful operational management solution. After holding numerous roles in more than 20-years at London City Airport, most recently as Director of Aerodrome Compliance, Russell brings unrivalled knowledge and experience to the team.

He says of his appointment: “While working at London City I had first-hand experience of using Centrik, so I understand better than most how transformational the platform can be to an airport’s operation. I want to share that knowledge with both new, and existing clients.”

Russell stepped away from London City at the end of 2019, deciding to take a short break from the industry to spend time with his family. In the summer of 2020, Russell grabbed the opportunity to join Centrik, to help businesses manage the impact of Covid-19.

“Centrik has been meeting the challenges the industry has faced recently head-on, so getting the chance to join the team at this point was one I couldn’t pass up. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant businesses have had to find ways of working safely, but also more remotely – something that has always been integral to Centrik’s design.”

A family man, Russell is married with two children. A qualified private pilot, he has a share in a light aircraft which, when not shackled by the lockdown, he tries to fly as often as possible.

Michelle Fanneran joins the business as Compliance and Safety Manager, providing regulatory support to new and existing customers, advising on all safety and compliance legislation, as well as assisting with technical manual drafting.

Fanneran began her career in aviation as an Air Load Master on Puma helicopters in the Royal Air Force, with postings in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. Serving for close to 10 years, she held both Squadron Flight Safety Officer and Deputy Station Flight Safety Officer posts in that time.

After leaving the RAF, Fanneran re-trained as a barrister, establishing a successful tort and costs law practice, with a special interest in military aviation cases. Fanneran’s meticulous eye for detail and experience of regulatory compliance, developed at the sharp end of litigation in UK Courts over 16 years, provide the perfect foundation for her return to aviation at Centrik.

She says of her new role: “One key to being a good barrister is an ability to quickly assimilate an enormous amount of material, to analyse the available information and use it to provide cogent and commercially astute advice to clients. Therefore, providing realistic and commercially attractive solutions to Aerodromes and AOCs is quite natural to me; I think of this as a professional homecoming to aviation.”

Utilising these skills in conjunction with her existing aviation experience, Fanneran has developed a broad knowledge and familiarity with EASA, CAA and other regulations, already working on compliance management projects for a range of Centrik clients.

“Though I’ve been linked to aviation throughout my career, I feel I can now bring an objective view to the existing legislation. By casting fresh analytical eyes over the rules and regulations, I am confident I can find ways of helping our clients transform their approach to safety and compliance,” Fanneran adds.

Married with two young children, Fanneran met her husband taking part in a round-the-world yacht race and still enjoys getting out on the water when she can.