South Africa

Dr. Robert Gray
Chief Commercial Officer
RGray@airlinepros.net

Robert Gray is an aviation professional with over 25 years of experience in leading, scaling, and operating complex businesses while delivering strong financial results. He has a proven ability to integrate strategy, operations, technology, finance, and project management, successfully executing initiatives that have significantly enhanced client operations and profitability in South Africa.

Robert excels at building rapport and connecting effectively with clients, employees, and partners at all levels. His exceptional communication and interpersonal skills have enabled him to cultivate strong relationships with industry stakeholders, manage cross-functional teams, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. He currently leads a team focused on driving client success, expanding market presence, and enhancing customer loyalty.

A committed mentor and leader, Robert prioritizes the development and empowerment of his teams. He has a track record of recruiting, nurturing, and equipping top talent to address the challenges of a rapidly evolving aviation landscape. His leadership style emphasizes continuous learning, high performance, and growth, consistently delivering outstanding customer engagement, operational excellence, and long-term success for clients.

Dr. Robert Gray
Chief Commercial Officer
RGray@airlinepros.net

Robert Gray is an aviation professional with over 25 years of experience in leading, scaling, and operating complex businesses while delivering strong financial results. He has a proven ability to integrate strategy, operations, technology, finance, and project management, successfully executing initiatives that have significantly enhanced client operations and profitability in South Africa.

Robert excels at building rapport and connecting effectively with clients, employees, and partners at all levels. His exceptional communication and interpersonal skills have enabled him to cultivate strong relationships with industry stakeholders, manage cross-functional teams, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. He currently leads a team focused on driving client success, expanding market presence, and enhancing customer loyalty.

A committed mentor and leader, Robert prioritizes the development and empowerment of his teams. He has a track record of recruiting, nurturing, and equipping top talent to address the challenges of a rapidly evolving aviation landscape. His leadership style emphasizes continuous learning, high performance, and growth, consistently delivering outstanding customer engagement, operational excellence, and long-term success for clients.

Karin Matodes
Commercial Director
KMatodes@airlinepros.net
Karin Matodes, South Africa

Karin Matodes is an accomplished industry leader with over 25 years of experience in aviation, travel, and tourism. Throughout her career, she has partnered with leading airlines, hotels, hospitality groups, travel agents, tour operators, and cruise lines, building a strong foundation of expertise across interconnected sectors.

Her deep knowledge of the Southern Africa travel market, combined with a global outlook, has made her a trusted partner for airlines and industry stakeholders looking to expand their presence and improve performance. Karin has held senior roles that strengthened her expertise in strategic planning, operations, revenue management, and customer service. These positions gave her valuable insights into the complexities of aviation and the drivers of sustainable growth. She has also collaborated with major hospitality brands to design strategies, boost sales, and enhance customer experiences, showcasing her ability to deliver results across industries.

Today, Karin leverages her extensive experience and professional network to forge meaningful partnerships. Known for her collaborative leadership style and forward-thinking vision, she is dedicated to creating win-win opportunities that drive business success. Her commitment, adaptability, and strategic outlook make her a valuable leader in the competitive aviation sector.

Karin Matodes, South Africa
Karin Matodes
Commercial Director
KMatodes@airlinepros.net

Karin Matodes is an accomplished industry leader with over 25 years of experience in aviation, travel, and tourism. Throughout her career, she has partnered with leading airlines, hotels, hospitality groups, travel agents, tour operators, and cruise lines, building a strong foundation of expertise across interconnected sectors.

Her deep knowledge of the Southern Africa travel market, combined with a global outlook, has made her a trusted partner for airlines and industry stakeholders looking to expand their presence and improve performance. Karin has held senior roles that strengthened her expertise in strategic planning, operations, revenue management, and customer service. These positions gave her valuable insights into the complexities of aviation and the drivers of sustainable growth. She has also collaborated with major hospitality brands to design strategies, boost sales, and enhance customer experiences, showcasing her ability to deliver results across industries.

Today, Karin leverages her extensive experience and professional network to forge meaningful partnerships. Known for her collaborative leadership style and forward-thinking vision, she is dedicated to creating win-win opportunities that drive business success. Her commitment, adaptability, and strategic outlook make her a valuable leader in the competitive aviation sector.

Maryvonne Palanduz
Managing Director
MPalanduz@airlinepros.net

Maryvonne Palanduz is a seasoned Risk Management expert with over three decades of experience in aviation and finance. She began her career at Air Namibia, where her dedication, analytical skills, and strong business acumen quickly set her apart. Rising through the ranks, she built a reputation for combining financial expertise with strategic insight.

Her career progressed to senior leadership roles, including serving as Head of Finance at one of South Africa’s largest financial services providers. In this role, she was instrumental in safeguarding the group’s financial health while driving growth and efficiency. Transitioning to Head of Risk within the same organization, Maryvonne played a pivotal role in strengthening operational systems, forecasting industry trends, and ensuring compliance with rigorous risk policies across the business.

In her current capacity, she oversees comprehensive risk management strategies, protecting clients against financial, operational, strategic, and reputational risks. Known for her foresight and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, she continues to shape best practices in risk management. With her wealth of experience and innovative approach, Maryvonne stands as a respected leader who brings clarity and confidence to complex, high-stakes environments.

Maryvonne Palanduz
Managing Director
MPalanduz@airlinepros.net

Maryvonne Palanduz is a seasoned Risk Management expert with over three decades of experience in aviation and finance. She began her career at Air Namibia, where her dedication, analytical skills, and strong business acumen quickly set her apart. Rising through the ranks, she built a reputation for combining financial expertise with strategic insight.

Her career progressed to senior leadership roles, including serving as Head of Finance at one of South Africa’s largest financial services providers. In this role, she was instrumental in safeguarding the group’s financial health while driving growth and efficiency. Transitioning to Head of Risk within the same organization, Maryvonne played a pivotal role in strengthening operational systems, forecasting industry trends, and ensuring compliance with rigorous risk policies across the business.

In her current capacity, she oversees comprehensive risk management strategies, protecting clients against financial, operational, strategic, and reputational risks. Known for her foresight and ability to turn challenges into opportunities, she continues to shape best practices in risk management. With her wealth of experience and innovative approach, Maryvonne stands as a respected leader who brings clarity and confidence to complex, high-stakes environments.

Xavier Masule
General Manager
XavierMasule@airlinepros.com

With nearly three decades of experience, Xavier Masule is recognized for his exceptional leadership, vision, and impact in the aviation industry. Armed with an MBA in Strategic Management, he combines financial precision with innovative thinking, shaping strategies that drive growth and sustainability.

Xavier’s aviation journey began at Air Namibia, where he spent almost 20 years in roles including Senior Manager of Finance, Chief Commercial Officer, and Interim CEO. During this period, he was instrumental in strengthening the airline’s commercial performance, driving operational growth, and building key partnerships that elevated its competitiveness across Africa. His expertise extended beyond Namibia, earning him recognition on a continental scale.

He later took on the role of Commercial Director at Royal Eswatini, where he played a pivotal role in launching Eswatini Air in March 2023. His strategic oversight enhanced market presence, revenue growth, and customer engagement, cementing the airline’s position in a competitive market. Beyond executive leadership, Xavier has contributed his expertise as a Non-Executive Board Member in aviation and financial services, further reflecting his influence as a trusted industry leader. His career exemplifies dedication, strategic foresight, and a commitment to advancing aviation across Africa and beyond.

Xavier Masule
General Manager
XavierMasule@airlinepros.com

With nearly three decades of experience, Xavier Masule is recognized for his exceptional leadership, vision, and impact in the aviation industry. Armed with an MBA in Strategic Management, he combines financial precision with innovative thinking, shaping strategies that drive growth and sustainability.

Xavier’s aviation journey began at Air Namibia, where he spent almost 20 years in roles including Senior Manager of Finance, Chief Commercial Officer, and Interim CEO. During this period, he was instrumental in strengthening the airline’s commercial performance, driving operational growth, and building key partnerships that elevated its competitiveness across Africa. His expertise extended beyond Namibia, earning him recognition on a continental scale.

He later took on the role of Commercial Director at Royal Eswatini, where he played a pivotal role in launching Eswatini Air in March 2023. His strategic oversight enhanced market presence, revenue growth, and customer engagement, cementing the airline’s position in a competitive market. Beyond executive leadership, Xavier has contributed his expertise as a Non-Executive Board Member in aviation and financial services, further reflecting his influence as a trusted industry leader. His career exemplifies dedication, strategic foresight, and a commitment to advancing aviation across Africa and beyond.

Clients

Clients

Clients