Meet the Team

 Hani Kuzbari is the Co- Chief Executive Officer, Member of the Board and Shareholder of Novus Aviation Capital, a resilient and growing aviation financing platform, and a pioneer in aircraft leasing. Hani is responsible for the group’s strategy in building a robust structure, which has generated sustained success over two decades and established a strong foundation for future growth. 

Hani is a specialist in originating, structuring, and developing a range of aircraft leasing investment and financing vehicles and global joint ventures with investors, banks, lessors, and manufacturers. He has been instrumental in the design, launching and operations of Tamweel Aviation Finance and Cedar Aviation Finance (Novus’s mezzanine debt platforms) as well as the award-winning Ortus Aircraft Leasing Fund, an innovative aircraft operating lease vehicle structured in partnership with a leading Japanese financial institution. 

Hani has originated and completed a variety of aircraft leasing deals with prominent airlines across the globe under a variety of structures. During his career and across cycles, Hani has also remarketed and transitioned a number of single and twin aisle aircraft with leases attached, following lease expiries but also as a result of distressed situations. 

Master of Business Administration – University Of Chicago Booth School Of Business, USA

Bachelor of Business Administration and Marketing – American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Mounir Kuzbari is the Co- Chief Executive Officer, Member of the Board and Shareholder of Novus AviationCapital, a resilient and growing aviation financing platform and a pioneer in aircraft leasing.

Mounir is responsible for the group’s strategy in building a robust structure, which has generated sustained success over two decades and established a strong foundation for future growth. Mounir brings to his role a wealth of experience and expertise in originating and arranging structured finance solutions for the aviation industry and in advising airlines and aircraft owners on the selection, purchase, financing, leasing and management of aircraft investments.

Prior to joining Novus, Mounir served as Senior Vice-President with DVB Bank in New York, managing part of the bank’s portfolio of aviation clients in the Americas. He also worked at DVB’s Frankfurt and London offices in various groups including the bank’s risk department and the investment management group. While at DVB he led a team advising a group of Middle Eastern investors on developing a business plan, building a capital raising strategy and implementing an aircraft leasing platform. He also served on the Investment Committee of Aviateur Capital, a mezzanine debt vehicle partially backed by Airbus.

Mounir is also a co-founder and board member of Yellow Door Energy, a solar and energy efficiency solution provider and a former Board Member of the Clean Energy Business Council. Mounir is an active member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Economics from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and completed an Executive Education Program in Family Business from the Harvard Business School.

Mounir speaks English, French and Arabic.

Bachelor of Finance and Economics – American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Mamoun Kuzbari is the Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Board of Novus Aviation Capital. He is responsible for Novus’ portfolio management and trading activities and heads the Novus Group’s operation in Europe out of London. He also manages the aircraft remarketing, transitions and disposal having completed over $2 billion asset sale and transition.

Prior to joining Novus, Mamoun worked for six years in the software consulting industry. At Oracle Software, he participated in several important Oracle e-business software implementations, such ILO and Dubai Government. He then joined Kynergy Sàrl, where he, as well as being a consultant on several projects, he managed CRM implementations.

Mamoun holds an MSc in Management in Information Systems obtained from the University of Geneva and has obtained Post-Graduate Diploma in Air Transport Management MSc from Cranfield University.

Mamoun is a Director of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) and an active member of the Aviation Club of the UK.

Mamoun speaks English, French and Arabic.

Master of Science, Information Systems – University of Geneva, Switzerland

Post-Graduate Diploma, Air Transport Management – Cranfield University, UK

Simon has spent the last 18 years working in the aviation industry. Simon joined the Novus London team from FPG Amentum where he was a part of the management team and participated in the MBO from HSH Nordbank and the subsequent sale of Amentum to FPG, Tokyo. Prior to Amentum, he has held positions in Airbus as a sales director within the Leasing Markets team and then as the Director of Business Development at A J Walter Aviation.

Simon is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and holds an MBA from Henley Management College.

George leads Novus’s business development and capital raising globally. George has over 28 years of experience in the financial industry in major Asian cities for multinational financial institutions including Morgan Stanley (HK), Merrill Lynch Japan, Nikko Securities (Seoul) and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities (HK). He is fluent in English, Korean and Japanese.

Mitsuru “Brian” Koguchi boasts over 30 years of experience in the aviation sector. Before joining Novus, Brian served as the General Manager of Structured Finance at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, specializing in aviation. There, he played pivotal roles in setting up an aircraft leasing company in the US, forming a joint venture with a sovereign fund in Singapore, and establishing both an air finance debt portfolio and an aircraft leasing equity fund. Currently,

Brian is based in Novus’ Tokyo Office, focusing on business development in Japan.

Bachelor of Arts – Keio University

Leading Novus in all matters technical, thanks to his background of operator maintenance and engineering, airworthiness authority liaison, manufacturer and general leasing technical support, Peter provides advice on how technical issues affect the different aspects of Novus’s business. Peter trained originally with British Airways, then worked with Saudia, Airbus and American Airlines. He subsequently worked independently, consulting to lessees and lessors, providing advice and action in authority, technical and commercial subjects with regard to aircraft asset evaluation, protection, presentation and technical solutions. Peter joined the Novus team in 2007 and currently provides oversight for outsourced technical support, and general internal forecasting and planning, as well as working on the provision of more comprehensive technical services for Novus’s current and future clients.

Yuana is responsible for Asian investor/airline relationship and transaction management. She also assists in Hong Kong office operation, including accounting and audit support. Prior to joining Novus in 2014, Yuana worked at Citigroup as an investment banker and she was involved in several global M&A and underwriting transactions. She is fluent in Korean and English.

Bachelor of Arts – Seoul National University, Korea

Animesh brings to Novus over 20 years of experience in the fields of banking, investment and financing. Prior to joining the Novus team, he was actively involved in investment banking and project finance transactions and worked on a number of transactions in multiple sectors including oil and gas, petrochemicals, chemical and fertilizers, renewable energy, power, offshore drilling, oil and gas support services and aviation. Animesh previously worked with First Energy Bank, based in Bahrain, ABC Bank (formerly Arab Banking Corporation B.S.C.), Qatar Shipping Co, Citibank N.A. (India) and Videocon International Ltd.

M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing – National Institute of Management, Calcutta, India

Chartered Accountant (C.A.) – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

With over 14 years of legal experience, Matthew has acted for various banks, lessors and other financial institutions, lessees, airlines and manufacturers. Prior to joining Novus, Matthew spent over 10 years at Clifford Chance which included time in London, New York and Singapore and a year on secondment at GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) in Shannon and Singapore. He has also spent a year as an in-house legal counsel with Rolls-Royce plc, and was recognized as a “rising star of air finance” by Airfinance Journal.

The holder of a Law Degree from the University of Manchester

Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales

Lune brings over 10 years of leadership experience in the international aircraft leasing sector. She has cultivated a vast network both in China and around the world. Her expertise spans business development, marketing, fundraising, and transaction management. Lune holds a CFA charter and has earned MBAs from both Peking University’s Guanghua School and New York University’s Stern School. Proficient in both Chinese and English, she spearheads Novus’s business development efforts in China and the broader Asia Pacific Region.

Master of Business Administration – New York University

With two decades of experience in the aviation sector, Cyrille joined the Novus team in Dubai after a significant tenure with Airbus. He served as the Sales Director for the Middle East and Africa, spearheading commercial aircraft campaigns for six years. Earlier, Cyrille contributed as the Marketing Director for Airbus’s widebody and cargo aircraft, in addition to his role as an aircraft customer support engineer.

Cyrille holds a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Space – ISAE-ENSMA

Suzannah works in the Legal department of Novus and has 13 years experience as a lawyer. Prior to joining Novus, Suzannah was a lawyer at Legg Mason Global Asset Management and prior to that Suzannah provided Legal and Compliance support for Citigroup Asset Management and the Financial Times.

Bachelor of Arts, Humanities – Exeter University

Solicitor of England and Wales

With more than 10 years of experience in financial analysis and accounting, Hussam leads the accounting and pricing department.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting – Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

Program Certificate, Information Management – CNAM

Alkis is a specialist airline/aircraft leasing company credit risk analyst. He has considerable experience in international and global business, having worked for the corporate and investment banking arms of NatWest and National Australia Bank (London). He has specialist experience in credit risk analysis, corporate lending and securitization, in a variety of industry sectors including automotive, oil & gas and aviation.

Alkis has previously worked for BAE Systems Asset Management with responsibility for the risk management of the aircraft portfolio, at UK Export Finance/ECGD (the UK’s Export Credit Agency) as Senior Airlines Analyst and most recently for Falko Regional Aircraft with responsibility for credit risk management. He currently holds the position of Vice President at Novus, covering all areas of credit risk.

Master of Business Administration – Henley Business School, UK

Jude is responsible for coordinating the executive team’s activities, ensuring seamless communication and efficient management of the Executive Teams agenda, while also overseeing strategic project implementation.

Prior to joining Novus, Jude worked for the Jumeirah Group, where he managed and supported various HR tasks for all the hotels based in the Middle East and Asia regions.

Bachelor of Business Administration – G.I.H.E Bulle, Switzerland

Mohamad, a Certified Management Accountant,  oversees business operations and manages funds. He engages in financial analysis in the areas of forecasting, budgeting and cost reduction analysis, and also monitors operational performance. Additionally, Mohamad develops and manages financial systems and models. Prior to joining the Novus team, he served as a senior auditor with Deloitte Dubai, undertaking external audit assignments for clients in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, International Standards of Audit, corporate laws and the legislative requirements of the unit.

Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Endorsed Certificate of Internal Audit – Lebanese American University, Lebanon

Ziad is actively involved in the financial modeling, debt to equity structure, investment relations, and asset pricing. Prior to joining Novus, he has worked in assurance & advisory at Deloitte & Touche (M.E) for over 5 years. He has led large complex organizations and managed junior peers in multiple sectors including renewable energy, construction, oil & gas, real estate, hotels and manufacturing. Through his past experiences, he has developed his analytical abilities & acquired a valuable set of tools used in finance.

Master in Business Administration (MBA), with an emphasis in Finance – IE Business School, Spain

Prabhjeet joined Novus Aviation Capital in Dubai with over 6 years of experience in Aviation Finance. Prior to joining the Novus team in 2018, she has worked in the aircraft acquisition and financing team at IndiGo Airlines, where she was responsible for handling financing, leasing, project and contract management, financial modelling, delivery/redelivery of the aircraft. She also possess extensive experience of working on the complex engine and APU related maintenance contracts and dealing with the MROs.

Chartered Accountant (C.A.) – The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Eleanor is a specialist airline/aircraft leasing company credit risk analyst.  She has public sector experience as the Senior Airlines Analyst for UK Export Finance/ECGD (the UK’s Export Credit Agency) where she worked for over 10 years producing independent credit ratings for a diverse range of airlines and aircraft leasing companies.  Eleanor currently holds the position of Assistant Vice President at Novus, covering all areas of credit risk.

Master of Science, Operational Research  –  University of Southampton, UK

Certificate in International Treasury Management, The Association of Corporate Treasurers, UK

Miki brings to us a wealth of Japan experience including credit monitoring at Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ Limited (Hong Kong), 8 years at Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank as a member of their private equity investment team and financial institution sales team; marketing funds and structured products to regional banks, corporate pensions and other financial institutions. Miki is a native Japanese speaker and is fluent in English.

Bachelor Of Arts, International Economics & International Cultural Studies – Tsuda University, Japan  

Sana is an Assistant Vice President at Novus Aviation, responsible for pricing related results, and coordinating information requirements for management.

Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance – American University of Science & Technology, Lebanon

Junior Financial Analyst (JFA Certificate) from IFA – Schewezer institute (2013)

A multi-skilled professional administrator, Merrian Raths brings over 20 years of experience in international firms and multinational corporations, specialising in operations management, customer service and bookkeeping. Her dedication, efficiency and problem solving skills have earned her a rapport with colleagues and clients alike.

Passionate to make a difference, Merrian spends her spare time mentoring the next generations, with a heart to bring positive influence to their lives and raise future leaders. She has also founded NeXTGen Agape Academy, a non-profit organisation offering quality education to the underprivileged children in rural Cebu in the Philippines. A native from the Philippines , Merrian also speaks fluent English and Cantonese 

Email: nancy.helou@novus.aero

Johnny established Astro Aircraft Leasing Co., Ltd. in March 2015 and acts as CEO.  Based in Hong Kong, this new advisory and consultancy firm is focusing on aircraft financing, trading and leasing businesses for airlines, financial institutions and investors. In the last two years, Astro has represented top-tier international aircraft leasing companies, banks, aircraft re-marketing company, Chinese aircraft leasing businesses, investment houses and airlines in their aircraft leasing, asset financing and equity raising activities.

Johnny possesses almost 27 years working experience in aviation and finance.  He started his career at the Bank of East Asia in Hong Kong.  In late 1980s, he joined Cathay Pacific Airways where he was the Senior Finance Manager.  After six years in Cathay, he joined Babcock & Brown and was responsible for originating lease transactions for clients in Asia Pacific.  He continued closing domestic and cross-border lease transactions after subsequently joining Macquarie Bank.

Johnny was recruited by Citi’s Asset Finance Group in 2001 and focused mainly on arranging cross-border leases for Asian clients in aviation, shipping and telecommunication industries.  He then joined Citi’s Global Aviation corporate banking and had been involved in aircraft financing, corporate finance, M&A, risk management and transaction banking products for airlines, airports, aircraft leasing companies, MRO and manufacturing customers.  His last capacity was Asia-Pacific Regional Head of Aviation.

In 2008, Johnny was appointed as Global Head, Aviation Finance and Managing Director of ICBC Leasing in Beijing. ICBC Leasing is a wholly owned subsidiary of Industrial & Commercial Bank of China and its aviation portfolio grew from zero to approximately US$3.5 billion with a fleet of 68 aircraft during Johnny’s leadership.  ICBC Leasing was also awarded three Deal of the Year awards from 2009-2011 and became the first Chinese leasing company making a speculative order of 62 A320 aircraft with Airbus.

Johnny was then Group CFO of Spring which owns Spring Travel, the largest domestic tour company and Spring Airlines, a Shanghai-listed company and the only low cost carrier in China.  Johnny helped founding Spring Airlines Japan by recruiting Japanese investors for Spring Airline’s first overseas subsidiary.

Immediately before setting up Astro Aircraft Leasing, Johnny was CEO Aircraft Leasing Division, Minsheng Financial Leasing (“MSFL”) – a leading Chinese leasing company actively investing in aviation industry, in particular, private jet and business/general aviation fields.  Johnny led a team of 50 professional executives in the Division managing a fleet of over 130 aircraft.

Johnny is a CPA of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a fellow member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in UK.  He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hong Kong.

Johnny was also appointed as

·  Senior Special Advisor (Aviation Industry) of Dong Jiang Free Trade Port Government in Tianjin for four years since September 2014;

·  a member of Banking and Finance Industry Training Board, Hong Kong Vocational Training Council in April 2016; and

·  a member of Business Administration Programme Advisory Committee (BA PAdvC) of the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK) of Hong Kong.

Johan Visser acts as an advisor to Novus through the consultancy firm JLV Advisory. Previously, he worked with J.P.Morgan since 2000 and worked in the global asset-backed securities department in New York in excess of 13 years covering transportation issuers globally. His recent transaction experience comprises a variety of asset classes including roles on warehouse loans for aircraft and container lessors, secured bond transactions for airlines and railcar issuers globally (ETCs and EETCs), aircraft lease portfolio securitization, term loans guaranteed by export credit agencies and U.S. guaranteed transactions through the maritime administration, US AID and U.S. Eximbank.

Mr. Visser graduated from ESCP — Europe Business School in 2000 and holds a Diplôme Grande Ecole and a Diplom Kaufmann (MSc). He also holds an undergraduate from the Escuela Superior de Gestión Commercial y Marketing (Diplomatura).