Chapman Freeborn poaches Amazon Air's Saska Gerasimova as group CEO

Broker Chapman Freeborn has appointed an Amazon Air manager, Saska Gerasimova, (pictured) to become its group CEO, effective today. 

Ms Gerasimova will take over from Eric Erbacher, who is to chair the board.

She leaves Amazon Air, where she was senior supply chain manager, Europe for three years. Prior to that, she was fleet director for Czech carrier SmartWings Group, where she worked for a decade. 

Chapman Freeborn, which has seen a lot of senior management changes over the past two years, said the leadership transition “marks a transformative milestone …[reflecting] the company’s commitment to bold renewal, strategic clarity, and global impact”. 

Ms Gerasimova said: “Chapman Freeborn has a well-defined long-term strategy oriented around our 2030 plan. Achieving our aims will require a clear focus on customers, strategic delivery, and market presence.  

“I look forward to building close, trust-based relationships with our clients, and to supporting the team in our ongoing development while facilitating strong connections across our organisation. I will be travelling regularly to our regional hubs to meet with our experienced professionals and gain a deep understanding of local operations in each of our locations.” 

Mr Erbacher has served as group CEO for more than five years. He said: “In my new role, I look forward to having a greater capacity for focusing on customer engagement, closing material deals, and driving our long-term strategy.” 

Group COO Bernardo Nunes, who rejoined the company a year ago, takes over legal directorships within Chapman Freeborn’s subsidiaries, while former chair Russi Batliwala will remain on the board to provide guidance and continuity.