Mr. Gemade brings with him more than two decades of aviation, MRO and airline leadership. He has led aircraft acquisitions, fleet strategies, and leasing transactions exceeding $12 billion for some of the industry’s most dynamic organizations.

Prior to joining AFG, Shiekuma was Head of Fleet at Riyadh Air, with responsibilities for Aircraft Acquisitions, Fleet Planning, and building one of the industry’s most ambitious new Aircraft Programs.

Previously, he held leadership roles at Atlas Air Worldwide and Titan Aviation Leasing, where he managed a significant lease portfolio of widebody freighters, built the lease management platform, and managed complex cross-border transactions spanning the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

Earlier in his career at Delta Air Lines, he advanced from engineering at Delta Technical Operations into operations leadership, optimizing performance for a 450-aircraft DC fleet. Shiekuma holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Masters of Science in Aviation Management, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach Florida. Shiekuma is also an FAA licensed Private Pilot.

AFG extends a warm welcome to Shiekuma and looks forward to the leadership, insight, and energy he brings to the team.