Saska Gerasimova Takes Helm as Chapman Freeborn CEO; Eric Erbacher Becomes Board Chair

New Leadership at Chapman Freeborn: A Strategic Evolution

Chapman Freeborn has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Saska Gerasimova as Group CEO, effective October 20, 2025. This transition marks a fresh chapter in the company’s strategy to accelerate customer-focused growth within the global aviation sector. Meanwhile, Eric Erbacher, the outgoing CEO, will shift roles to become Chair of the Board of Directors, promising continued guidance at a strategic level.

Who is Saska Gerasimova?

Saska Gerasimova comes on board bringing a wealth of expertise primarily in aviation leasing, air freight, logistics, and fleet management. Before joining Chapman Freeborn, she served as Senior Supply Chain Manager at Amazon Air Europe and held influential roles like Fleet Director and Leasing Manager at Smartwings Group. Her background highlights a strong operational grasp combined with a deeply customer-centric approach, poised to strengthen Chapman Freeborn’s global reach and market presence.

Leadership Vision and Strategic Focus

Gerasimova has emphasized the importance of a well-defined long-term strategy aligned to Chapman Freeborn’s 2030 goals. Her leadership targets a clear focus on enhancing the customer experience, intensifying strategic project delivery, and expanding market presence worldwide. In her own words, building “close, trust-based relationships with clients and supporting teams across regions” stands at the core of this mission. To engage deeply with global operations, she plans regular visits to the company’s hubs to grasp local dynamics thoroughly.

Eric Erbacher’s New Role as Board Chair

Eric Erbacher, who steered Chapman Freeborn through pivotal years of expansion and diversification, transitions from CEO to Chair of the Board. This move allows him to concentrate more on customer engagement, closing major deals, and nurturing the company’s long-term vision. Erbacher has welcomed Gerasimova warmly and looks forward to close collaboration to further enhance global operations.

Supporting Leadership and Smooth Transition

To ensure continuity, Group COO Bernardo Nunes will undertake legal directorship roles across company subsidiaries during this leadership handoff. Board continuity remains intact with Russi Batliwala maintaining a presence to provide strategic advice.

A Brief Look at Chapman Freeborn’s Role in Global Aviation

Chapman Freeborn is a renowned name in the air charter industry, providing specialist air freight and passenger services globally. Over the years, its evolving leadership has mirrored shifts in aviation logistics, adapting to an increasingly connected and dynamic market. The company's commitment to agility, innovation, and customer-first policies has helped it navigate the challenges of global trade and travel.

Leadership and Market Dynamics in Aviation

The appointment reflects broader trends in the aerospace and logistics sectors, where agility and customer responsiveness are paramount. As air charter solutions persist as vital components for time-sensitive transport, market players like Chapman Freeborn are focusing on adapting service offerings, widening their fleet choices, and integrating innovative logistics technology.

The Broader Context: Aviation’s Impact on Travel and Leisure

Global aviation advances not only drive commercial exchange but play a pivotal role in tourism and leisure activities—including yacht charters and maritime travel. Efficient air transport connections can boost accessibility to premier sailing destinations, enabling yachting enthusiasts and tourists alike to explore exotic beaches, serene clearwaters, and bustling marinas worldwide.

The Evolution of Air Charter Affecting Sailing and Boat Rentals

The seamless integration of aviation logistics with maritime travel facilitates quick transfers to coastal resort towns and yacht hubs. For travelers seeking boat rentals or sailing charters across the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or the Gulf, enhanced air freight and transfer services mean easier, faster arrivals and departures. This aviation-marine synergy elevates the overall travel experience by shortening transit times and improving connectivity between airports and marinas.

Interlinking Ocean and Air Travel

• Swift Transfers: Increased charter flights allow travelers to reach yacht charter destinations rapidly.
• Enhanced Flexibility: Customized air freight services aid in transporting sailing equipment and provisioning vessels.
• Expanded Destinations: Growth in air routes opens new yachting hotspots to a broader audience.

Looking Ahead: Aviation Leadership and Future Travel Trends

With Chapman Freeborn’s refreshed leadership structure, the company seems primed to capitalize on growth opportunities in both cargo and passenger charters. The focus on strategic clarity and client-centricity should allow Chapman Freeborn to adapt well to emerging markets and evolving customer needs. As global tourism recovers and expands, especially in coastal and island destinations, the role of specialized charter providers will become ever more influential in shaping travel possibilities.

Looking at history, the air charter and lease segments have consistently adapted alongside economic shifts, technological advances, and changing passenger expectations. The trend toward sustainability and operational agility is likely to accelerate, making companies with visionary leadership essential players in international travel.

Potential Influence on Tourism Sector

As air charters improve connectivity, yacht charters and boat rental operators can benefit from increased accessibility and clientele diversity. The travel market’s desire for seamless door-to-marina experiences underscores the importance of close coordination between aviation and maritime sectors. Future tourism strategies will increasingly rely on integrated transport solutions to maintain competitive appeal.

Conclusion

The leadership transition at Chapman Freeborn signals a new chapter emphasizing strategic vision, customer focus, and sustainable global expansion in the aviation charter market. Saska Gerasimova’s appointment as CEO, supported by Eric Erbacher’s move to Board Chair, will likely strengthen the company’s position amid dynamic travel and logistics environments.

For sailing and boating enthusiasts, developments in aviation logistics open doors to improved access to premier yachting destinations, from sun-soaked beaches to vibrant marinas worldwide. The synergy between air and sea travel enhances opportunities for charters, yacht rentals, and water-based activities.

GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, featuring options to suit every taste and budget. It remains alert to such industry changes that affect global travel and boating, offering users access to top destinations and seamless sailing experiences on the sea and ocean.