Meet the team

We’re an ambitious team, made up of people with a genuine passion for our industry and a commitment to working in partnership with our customers to deliver mutually beneficial, win-win solutions.

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“When I was little, I used to make and fly kites with my friends and cousins. Now I take my son to Heathrow to watch planes taking off and landing. Watching planes is a joyful activity. I get goosebumps when I think about people who are waiting at the boarding gates to fly for the first time.”

Bobby Janagan

Chief Executive Officer

Bobby has led RRPF since 2009, during which time the business has grown from $1 billion to over $6.5 billion in portfolio value. He joined RRPF in 1998, entrenching himself in the heart of business’s accounting, business development and marketing teams before being promoted to Managing Director and CEO. He is a passionate and highly regarded expert in the engine leasing industry and regularly speaks at conferences.

“As my father was in the Royal Air Force, I grew up on air bases and was taken aboard various RAF aircraft as a child and was lucky enough to attend a lot of air shows. This early exposure fostered an enduring interest in aviation.”

Emanuel De Freitas

Chief Technical Officer

Emanuel (Mani) joined RRPF in June 2022 as Vice President of the Technical team before becoming CTO in 2024. He leads the Technical & Technical Records teams, providing asset management across a portfolio of 450 engines with a book value of around US$6.5 billion – managing suppliers and partners, negotiating contracts, and ensuring the lease end process is smooth and that assets are turned around for re-marketing as efficiently as possible. His prior career spans more than 20 years with Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace where he supported airlines and operators, airframe MROs and engine overhaul facilities across Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

“As a child I spent a lot of time on simulators and aviation related video games, and I wanted to become a pilot. However, my mother – who is generally very supportive of all my ideas and aspirations – had developed a fear of flying and did not buy into this idea. Growing up and throughout my professional career I always felt the loss of my childhood ambitions and the opportunity to join RRPF was my route to fulfilling that in a new way – I became the pilot of the finance function at RRPF”

Saahas Rauniyar

Chief Financial Officer

Saahas has over two decades of experience including more than ten years within financial leadership. Prior to joining RRPF in 2018, Saahas was the Group Financial Controller at Vue International, the fifth largest cinema operator globally, where he led the financial reporting and compliance function and oversaw numerous mergers, acquisitions and business integration projects. Saahas joined Vue International from Deloitte where he led audit and advisory engagements for large multi-national businesses and worked on many first class transactions. Today, he leads the global finance function at RRPF and is a member of the executive leadership team driving strategic direction and value creation. He was recognised as a “Highly Commended” 40 under 40 in Aviation Finance in 2022.

“I am proud to be part of the aviation community and to play a key role in making the aircraft fly. I am not just a lawyer, I am an aviation lawyer – which is so much more tangible, relatable and exciting!”

Maria Urtseva

Chief Counsel

Maria joined RRPF in 2019, bringing with her a decade of experience in asset finance. In her role she leads the legal team in everything from confidentiality agreements to multi-million dollar portfolio acquisitions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in jurisprudence and a master’s from Oxford University, UK. One of her biggest personal achievements while at RRPF has been the structuring and management of the first ever engine JOLCO.

“As a kid, I was fascinated by commercial aviation – the idea that an aircraft could carry so many people across vast distances. Aviation connects people and businesses worldwide, and at RRPF, I’m proud to help airlines make that possible.”

Jaime Nieto

Chief Commercial Officer

Jaime leads RRPF’s Sales and Marketing team, a group he describes as global customer champions. They are focused on supporting airlines, OEMs and lessors worldwide meet their spare engine needs – whether by providing financing for newly acquired engines or offering flexible leasing solutions for short- to medium-term requirements. Jaime joined Rolls-Royce in 2008, holding various commercial and sales roles across the US and UK. He started his aviation leasing journey at RRPF in 2011 before expanding his expertise with aircraft lessors BOC Aviation and FPG Amentum. He rejoined RRPF in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience in asset management and customer partnerships. Jaime holds a degree in Finance and International Business from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

“I’ve had a soft spot for aviation ever since I started flying unaccompanied at the age of seven to visit family in the North — proudly sporting a giant label around my neck like Paddington Bear. Escorted through airports by patient air hostesses, I learned early on that planes were more than just transport; they were a bridge to long summers with my grandparents and precious time with my wider family. Without the aviation industry, I would have missed out on character-defining moments and the wisdom passed down through generations.”

Ben Hoar

Chief Operating Officer

Ben Hoar is Chief Operating Officer at RRPF. He leads the dynamic team responsible for driving operational efficiency across the business, spearheading digital transformation initiatives and developing pioneering products that reshape both how we work and how we deliver for our customers. His role also covers oversight of our global sites, the management of customer disputes and debts and transaction implementation, while ensuring our operations remain agile, resilient and ready for the future through business transformation and people development activities.

“I love how you can step on an aircraft in London and then be transported to a completely different environment and culture. Aviation helps to keep us all connected.”

Ben Hughes

Chief Strategy Officer

Ben has worked at RRPF since 2010, starting his journey in the marketing team responsible for growing the business in South Asia, Middle East and Africa. Today, he leads strategy and business development with a focus on platform and new service development to help customers achieve more. He leads the Portfolio Management and End-of-Life Engine and Parts Trading teams which have grown RRPF’s capabilities and enlisted fantastic talent – an achievement he is proud of. Before joining RRPF, he worked at Rolls-Royce in various commercial roles. Ben has long been dedicated to enabling a sustainable future for RRPF and the wider industry. In 2018, he was recognised by Airline Economics as one of the top 40 people under 40 in aviation finance. He studied law at the University of Reading, UK and University of Uppsala, Sweden and has a Certificate in Management from the University of Cambridge, UK.

“I grew up close to London’s Gatwick Airport. In the school holidays, my grandmother used to take me to watch the planes take off and land. Since then, I’ve always been fascinated with aviation, and love the buzz of the airport!”

Ben Ferguson

Senior Vice President – Portfolio & Partner Management

Ben Ferguson joined RRPF in 2012 after spending six years at Rolls-Royce, including roles within its Civil Aerospace division. His team manages RRPF’s engine portfolio, providing portfolio and market analysis and insight, as well as activity with third party investors. He is passionate about the industry and providing coaching and support for new talent to help them grow.

“Aviation connects people. It allows people to experience other places, cultures and points of view which cannot be underestimated in times of increasing divisions between nations.”

Charlie Ferguson

Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing

Charlie leads all RRPF Sales and Marketing activity across the EMEA region. He joined Rolls-Royce on the engineering leadership scheme in 2008 and has a wealth of experience across Rolls-Royce, with roles in engineering, aftermarket finance, sales and commercial. His career highlights include developing the technical capability of the Trent 900 engine for the Airbus A380 and negotiating the sale of new equipment and aftermarket TotalCare services across China and South-East Asia. Charlie joined RRPF in 2015, where his strong relationships and ability to develop customer centric solutions has resulted in supporting customers with over $1 billion in spare engine financing. He is a chartered engineer with a First Class Master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Loughborough University and was recognised as an industry leader in 2023 with his inclusion in the Airline Economics 40 under 40.

“I always wanted to time travel. Almost 100 years ago we created the jet engine. Since then, travellers have saved billions of hours flying to faraway places. My work in the Trent XWB makes me feel like I’m delivering a time machine to our customers.”

Eduardo Arrufat-Reboso

Vice President – Sales and Marketing for the Americas

Eduardo has been with RRPF since 2017 and leads our dynamic Sales and Marketing team in supporting over 20 airlines and partners across the Americas. With strong roots in aviation, he has held engineering and fleet management roles at Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace in the UK and Germany. His experience spans from shaping the Trent XWB engine programme to managing the successful sunsetting of several business aviation projects. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and technical expertise, Eduardo is passionate about building lasting relationships that drive meaningful value for our customers. He holds a MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University and a BSc in Aerospace Engineering from NYIT. Recognised for his contributions to the industry, he was named in the Airline Economics 40 Under 40 Class of 2024.

“My passion lies in helping people—whether by enabling global connectivity for education, leisure, business, or through building strong, meaningful partnerships. My greatest achievement is simply being able to continue this journey with a team full of ambition and energy.”

Hugh Vanijprabha

Vice President – Airlines Sales and Leasing

Hugh joined RRPF in September 2024, bringing a rich background in engineering, business and international relations. With degrees in Electronics & Electrical Engineering and an MBA, he combines a holistic approach to solving complex challenges in the aviation industry with technical insight to help airline customers optimise their spare engine solutions. His experience includes research engineering and marketing, as well as serving as Executive Director of the Thai-European Business Association before joining Rolls-Royce in 2014. Now at RRPF, Hugh is committed to providing innovative financial and operational solutions that enable airlines to thrive. He is driven by the belief that aviation exists to connect people and goods safely, quickly and sustainably.

“I remember experiencing an Indian Navy Airshow as a child – watching the might of the Sea Harrier fighter jets and Sea King helicopters, which made aviation the only career I could ever consider. Coincidently, both are powered by Rolls-Royce engines.”

Sreenath ‘Sree’ Yellamrazu

Director – Sales and Marketing

Based in India, Sree partners with airline and lessor customers across South Asia and Australasia, providing leased engine support to financing solutions, supporting customers enhance operational continuity and manage cash flows. A key driver in the establishment of RRPF’s India office, he brings extensive experience in fleet planning, leasing and asset management. Sree’s aviation career began as a flight attendant on the Boeing 737-NG series before he transitioned into aviation consulting and airline corporate planning. He is an AS9100 Rev D Lead Auditor, EASA Part 145 Certified Professional, and Certified SMS Professional. He joined RRPF in September 2024.

“One mile of road would take you one mile, but one mile of runway can take you anywhere. We don’t just lease aircraft engines, we enable dreams, powering airlines that bridges cultures and connects humanity. I am immensely proud to leverage both of my deep passion and international perspective to deliver solutions where reliability and innovation truly take flight.”

Tony Shen

Vice President – Sales and Marketing for Greater China and South Korea

Tony leads sales and marketing efforts for RRPF across Greater China and South Korea. With extensive experience in both technical and commercial roles at Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney, he brings a well-rounded approach to aviation partnerships. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Imperial College London and an MBA from Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. Tony is also the first Chinese recipient of ISTAT, ASA-MTS, and Chinese CPV aircraft appraisal accreditation, and has been recognised with multiple industry awards including the Emerging Leader Alumni Award by Imperial College London in 2022 and British Council’s Outstanding UK Alumni Award in China in 2021.

“When I was younger my granddad would retell stories about flying spitfires in World War 2. Since learning about how planes fly, I have had an appreciation for the engineering excellence that goes into the design. I love the experience of air travel and having a deep understanding of the technology and industry makes it even more enjoyable.”

Grace Hully

Head of Parts and Engine Trading

Grace joined RRPF in January 2020 and leads the Parts and Engine Trading business. Her team is focussed on maximising asset value by investing in the teardown and piece part repair of components to support airlines, lessors and MROs with serviceable used parts. She spearheaded the development of Speir, RRPF’s cloud-based ERP system, automating key processes in sales, logistics and inventory management. Before RRPF, she managed global distributor networks at a mechanical engineering firm in West London. Grace holds a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Liverpool and a Diploma in Sales & Account Management.

“I’m incredibly proud to work for a British company that plays such a vital role in connecting millions of people to destinations worldwide. The aviation industry is filled with brilliant and inspiring individuals, and I’m truly grateful for the chance to grow and make a meaningful contribution in such an exciting and dynamic field.”

Laura Johnson

Trading Director

Laura joined RRPF in London in 2021 after completing the Rolls-Royce Customer Services and Management Graduate Scheme. Over the course of the scheme, she worked on service innovation in Defence and spent time in Hong Kong working closely with a regional commercial airline to optimise engine performance, drive operational improvements and strengthen customer relationships. Today, she plays a key role in growing RRPF’s trading operations by building and maintaining strong relationships with OEMs, lessors and airlines to identify and acquire assets, aligning supply with customer needs through flexible and innovative solutions that support long-term fleet strategies as well as maximising the residual value of their assets.

“My passion for aviation stems from watching the World at War at three years old with my dad. Seeing Spitfires and Hurricanes battle it out with Messerschmitt’s over the skies of Britain sparked my instant curiosity for flying, adventure and exploration. Since joining RRPF, I’m proud to have managed our first ever part sale with Saudia and I am hoping there are many more long, productive and successful relationships ahead of me.”

Alex Plehn

Sales and Trading Executive

Based in our headquarters in London, Alex focuses on maximising the value of end-of-life engines while supporting airlines, MROs, and lessors across EMEA. He joined RRPF in January 2025 after leading global aircraft remarketing and leasing projects at Airstream International, specialising in large turboprop, regional jet and narrowbody aircraft.

“My passion for aviation began during my childhood, inspired by my grandfather - an aero engine mechanic – who took me to airshows and local airfields where he used to repair engines. That early spark led me to pursue a master's degree at Cranfield University, where I had the opportunity to complete my thesis with Rolls-Royce Defence in Bristol. Aviation has been a constant passion in my life ever since.”

Carlotta Rigatti

Delivery Manager

Carlotta joined RRPF in September 2024, bringing with her over a decade of experience from Rolls-Royce Civil Aerospace and Amazon. During her eight years at Rolls-Royce, she held various forecasting roles, ranging from technical responsibilities – such as estimating the life cycle cost of the latest Trent XWB engine – to strategic positions in Aftermarket and Fleet Planning, where she managed maintenance events for multiple airlines globally while mitigating the risk of Aircraft on Ground (AOG) incidents. As Delivery Manager at RRPF, Carlotta is responsible for ensuring seamless coordination between Technical and Marketing teams in support of engine redeliveries and deliveries. She holds a Master of Science in Management Engineering degree from both the University of Padua and Cranfield University.

“As a woman working in a male dominated industry, my greatest achievement to date is being entrusted by RRPF to build and nurture long term partnerships with airlines directly and being part of a highly diverse, supportive and dynamic team where my work makes a real impact. I am particularly proud of the strong relationships I have been able to build and sustain with multiple airline customers and am extremely fortunate to work with such intelligent and esteemed colleagues across the aviation industry.”

Luxmi Patel

Director – Sales & Marketing

Luxmi joined RRPF in 2019 after being seconded from a graduate programme with Rolls-Royce’s Submarines division. Today, she is responsible for originating and maintaining strong relationships with airline operators in the Europe and North America regions. This includes supporting airline requirements for sale and leaseback financing of new and used spare engines, engine leasing and engine trading. Luxmi and her team help grow RRPF’s diverse portfolio and generate great returns for our shareholders but, most importantly, to clearly understand airline requirements and deliver customer excellence.

“I was drawn to aviation finance so I could be part of a thriving industry, in particular one which has such a large presence in my hometown of Dublin, Ireland. Completing the Masters of Aviation Finance further developed my interest in the industry which has grown into a passion during my time with RRPF.”

Darragh O’Callaghan

Director – Sales & Marketing

Darragh joined RRPF in 2022, bringing with him a wealth of industry experience gained throughout his career and his master’s degree in aviation finance from University College Dublin. His team originate and execute transactions including lease placements, sale and leaseback financing and engine trading for airline customers. Personally, Darragh has been instrumental in supporting operators from all over the globe – in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe – and was the Sales & Marketing lead on RRPF’s first sale and leaseback financing transaction through our GIFT City entity with Akasa Air.

Our partnership history

Rolls-Royce & Partners Finance was born out of partnership. From the coming together of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904 to Rolls-Royce itself joining with banking partners in 1989 to better enable its airline customers, RRPF is built on a strong heritage and a desire to go further than ever before.

Since then, we’ve expanded our footprint – joining together with new partners and growing our team around the world to enable global airlines and passengers to reach their destinations. Today, we work alongside Aether Asset Management as a joint venture between Rolls-Royce plc and GATX.

2024

RRPF owns and manages over 900 engines

2022

RRPF launches TRES‑aviation – a bespoke technical records solution for engine maintenance, delivery and return

2013

RRPF is first engine lessor to obtain investment grade credit rating

2007

Engine portfolio exceeds $1 billion for the first time

1998

GATX, at the time the world's third largest aircraft leasing company, invests to become a 50/50 partner

1989

RRPF is established with three bank partners

Sustainability

As a leading provider of services for the aviation industry, we have a responsibility to work in way that’s sustainable and fair.

Through constant learning and engagement with local charities, we dedicate time and energy to both giving back to our immediate community and to helping our wider industry become more educated about the impacts of climate change.

Opportunities at RRPF

We’re always on the lookout for great talent, if you’re interested in joining our team we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch

Have questions or need support? We’re here to help. Whether you're looking for more information about our leasing solutions or want to discuss a partnership, our team is ready to connect.

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