Group leadership team
A successful organisation is only as good as its people. The HAECO Group leadership team has the experience and capabilities required to lead a workforce of more than 15,000 professionals and ensure we can continue delivering exceptional services in line with your needs. Find out more about our team.
Richard Sell
Chief Executive Officer
Richard Sell was appointed Chief Executive Officer in July 2023. He was previously the Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Aero Engine Services Ltd (HAESL), and, since joining the Swire Group in 1999, has held various management positions with Cathay Pacific Airways, Swire Pacific, The China Navigation Company, Swire Energy Services, and Swire Pacific Offshore in Hong Kong, Singapore, India and Europe.
Tom Owen
Group Director Corporate Development
Tom Owen joined HAECO as Group Director Corporate Development in January 2026. He oversees the group’s strategic development, information and digital technology, and sustainable development, and manages relationships with joint venture and government partners. Prior to HAECO, he served as Director Cargo and Director People at Cathay. Since joining the Swire Group in 1995, Tom has held diverse leadership roles in both Hong Kong and abroad.
Charles de Zoete
Chief Financial Officer
Charles de Zoete was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the HAECO Group in May 2026. He joined the Swire Group in 2010, where he has held key leadership roles in Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea and the United States. Prior to joining HAECO, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Swire Shipping in Singapore since 2021. He was also previously Chief Financial Officer of United States Cold Storage Inc within the Group. Prior to joining the Swire Group, he worked in finance and accounting in London, and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.
Gerald Steinhoff
Chief Commercial Officer
Gerald Steinhoff was appointed Chief Commercial Officer of the HAECO Group in January 2023. He was previously Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group in Germany where his role included general management as well as change management. Prior to that, he worked with Lufthansa Technik AG and MTU Aero Engines GmbH.
Ben Scheidel
Group Director Airframe Services
Ben Scheidel was appointed Group Director Airframe Services in September 2024. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of HAECO Hong Kong and has served in various leadership positions within the Lufthansa Group across Europe, Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Chinese Mainland.
Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen
Group Director Components & Engine Services
Sandra Nieuwenhuijzen was appointed Group Director Components and Engine Services for the HAECO Group in April 2023, driving strategy and performance across multiple companies. She joined from Sigma Aerospace in Australia, where she was Chief Executive Officer since 2021. She has extensive management experience in the aviation industry working in the Netherlands and Australia.
Gray Zhang
Group Director Human Resources
Gray Zhang was appointed Group Director of Human Resources at HAECO Group. With over 25 years of HR experience across diverse industries, including industrial, chemical, technology, and FMCG, Gray will be responsible for developing and implementing global HR strategies that support HAECO’s commitment to people excellence and growth in various markets. Previously, she served as Human Resources Director at Asahi Asia in Hong Kong and has held significant roles at Schindler and Hercules/Ashland, where she gained valuable expertise managing HR functions across Asia.
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