Ostend, Belgium-headquartered helicopter operator NHV has named Brieuc Spindler as COO and member of its executive committee. Spindler's experience spans almost three decades, and he will be responsible for all of the company's worldwide operating bases.

CEO Eric Van Hal says: "Brieuc has a vast track record of strategic, operational and technical accomplishments. He has proven to be a successful and trusted leader and brings to this position a reputation for developing people and inspiring teams. We are thrilled to have a steady hand at the operational helm as we expand our footprint and customer base."

Prior to joining NHV, Spindler was chief technical officer for aerospace manufacturer ASCO Industries. In addition to serving on its management committee, he led the engineering and information and technology groups. Before joining ASCO, he was founder and CEO of an aviation engineering and consulting firm based in Paris, Toulouse and Chicago.

Bilingual in French and Belgian, Spindler holds a private pilot's license and is a captain in the French Air Force reserves. "It is a tremendous pleasure to join the NHV team, and I am both honoured and eager to help further the company's success," he states.

"NHV continues to invest in its services and fleet and we want to drive innovation in every area of our business. I believe we have an exceptionally agile team and the extensive capabilities to enable us to meet our growth aspirations and the needs of our customers."

NHV employs more than 550 staff across two continents. Since 2012, it has ordered 16 Airbus Helicopters H175s and was a launch customer of the type. It claims to be the only helicopter operator conducting missions in every oil-producing country in Europe, and is also involved in HEMS, SAR and wind farm work.