Lift off for new PHI International presence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
PHI International has strengthened its presence in the Middle East and Africa with the appointment of a new general manager. Jamie Mitchell will oversee PHI International’s operations in Ghana, Saudi Arabia and Cyprus and help the business grow its international footprint in the wider region.
Formerly HNZ, the business was renamed PHI International after it was acquired by American helicopter operator PHI Inc in late 2017. Keith Mullett, president international for PHI, says he is delighted to welcome Jamie to the PHI family.
“Jamie’s proven track record in improving operations to the highest possible standards in complex environments like search and rescue (SAR) set him up well to deliver on this role, a key focus of which will be to forge ahead with our strategy of continuing to integrate and expand our operations across the globe.”
Mitchell brings 24 years’ aviation experience to the post, the majority of which were gained serving in the armed forces of his home country, the UK. After enrolling in the Royal Navy in 1994, Jamie worked as a helicopter pilot and instructor for a decade before transferring to the Royal Air Force. There he specialised in SAR and operated across a spread of locations, including Cyprus, the Falkland Islands and Anglesey in North Wales, where he also commanded the UK military’s SAR training unit.
Keen to explore opportunities outside of the military, Mitchell then joined Brunei Shell Petroleum – one of the biggest energy companies in Asia. During his seven-year tenure there, Mitchell established and managed Brunei Shell’s SAR helicopter operations, delivering a comprehensive aviation emergency response capability to the offshore energy sector and, when required, in support of the Brunei government’s national SAR organisation. As the nominated postholder for SAR flight operations and air transport emergency response, he also streamlined the broader logistical contribution to the company’s emergency response procedures.
Mitchell also founded and co-chaired the HeliOffshore SAR working group; collaborating with other SAR providers globally to further enhance safety in this niche element of the helicopter industry. His new role will see the father of three return to the UK with his family, with the time zone considered optimal for serving the regions that fall under his remit.
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