As the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Echo Aviation Leasing Corporation, Tony Bergeron brings a wealth of industry expertise and leadership experience to the table. Prior to his role at Echo, Tony Bergeron co-founded Element Aviation Finance, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success.

Under Tony Bergeron’s guidance, Element Aviation Finance achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing $2.5 billion in transactions and having transacted over 200 aircraft in just over four years. His outstanding contributions to the industry were recognized with the New Financier award at the 2014 International Corporate Jet & Helicopter Conference.

With more than two decades of experience in commercial banking and equipment financing, Tony Bergeron has honed his skills across various sectors. During his tenure at GE Capital Canada, he served as Senior Vice President of the Aircraft Finance Group, doubling the size of the Canadian Aircraft portfolio to $1.5 billion from 2006 to 2009. His strategic insights and leadership have also been instrumental in advancing the company’s presence in segments such as General Aviation, Transportation, Construction, and Manufacturing.

Tony Bergeron began his career at the National Bank of Canada, where he spent seven years before embarking on a journey marked by continuous growth and success. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Master of Business Administration from Laval University, reflecting his dedication to lifelong learning and professional development.

With his extensive background and proven track record of achievement, Tony Bergeron continues to drive Echo Aviation Leasing Corporation forward as the group’s leader, shaping the future of the aviation finance industry with innovation, integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Maxime Gaudreau is currently the Director of Underwriting & Portfolio Management at Echo Aviation Leasing Corporation, after having joined the company in 2018 as a Financial Analyst and employee number one. In his current role, he oversees new originations and client relationships, while sourcing and underwriting new opportunities for credit approval, as well as overseeing the overall performance and monitoring of Echo’s portfolio. Prior to Echo, Maxime worked as an Account Executive at TATA Communications, Ltd. in Montreal, Canada, where he played a key role in the origination and growing of the company’s top 300 B2B key customer accounts, focusing primarily on the South American region. He also contributed to the launch and implementation of 4G LTE internet services in underserved markets across Latin America.

Maxime began his career at the National Bank of Canada in Human Resources, assisting in the development of mandatory employee training and certification programs. Maxime holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in International Business from the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University. Notably, during his university career, Maxime led the largest undergraduate commerce student association in Canada, managing an annual budget of $2.2 million in student and third-party funding, and overseeing 16 subsidiaries at the John Molson School of Business.

Outside of the office, Maxime loves to travel and explore new cities, regularly plays Ice Hockey in non-competitive “Beer Leagues”, and spend as much time as possible in the outdoors with his family.

Jonathan Grandbois joined Echo Aviation Leasing in May 2024, bringing with him over 12 years of experience in retail and commercial banking. His expertise includes more than three years of specialized focus on credit-based risk analysis and underwriting.

Prior to joining Echo, Jonathan worked closely with the C-suite of a major Canadian bank, where he contributed to strategic planning, conducted cost-benefit analyses, and supported various high-level initiatives. His responsibilities also included collaborating with Investor Relations on presentations, preparing documentation for earnings calls, and participating in investor conferences. Jonathan graduated with honors from the John Molson School of Business, where he majored in Finance and minored in Management.

René Faustin is currently the Vice President of Aircraft Sales & Acquisitions at Echo Aviation Leasing Corporation. With over 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality and property management in Florida, he has built a diverse skill set and developed a robust network of global business leaders, corporate jet and yacht owners, world-class entrepreneurs, socialites, and high-net-worth individuals.

René is also the founder and owner of Iron & Steam, a market leader in the wet cleaning and steam ironing industry in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. He studied General Marketing and Management at Miami Dade College and attended the Gold Coast School of Real Estate.

Jessika Venne is a highly skilled pilot and training captain with extensive experience in corporate aviation. Specializing in the Pilatus PC-24, Jessika has flown as a leisure pilot for over 10 years and a corporate pilot for the past 5 years. Currently working as a contract pilot, she has expanded her experience and network internationally, gaining valuable insights into international travel, transactions, and key industry contacts. Her expertise extends beyond the cockpit, with hands-on experience managing corporate flight departments, airplane operations, and crew logistics.

Jessika’s technical knowledge was further deepened during her time at Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), where she gained valuable insights into engine programs—a crucial aspect for clients involved in aircraft acquisitions. This expertise allows her to guide clients through technical evaluations and optimize their decision-making process.

With a strong network across the aviation industry, Jessika is known for her passion for aviation and her commitment to operational excellence. She brings this drive and expertise to her role in sales and acquisitions at Echo Aviation Leasing, where her strategic approach helps clients navigate complex aircraft transactions.

Before embarking on her piloting career, Jessika spent 14 years as a flight attendant in both commercial and corporate aviation, building a comprehensive understanding of the industry from all angles. Her combined experience makes her a dynamic asset to the Echo team, offering clients unparalleled guidance and service.

Alexandra is the Executive Assistant and Event Coordinator at Echo Aviation Leasing Corporation, where she leverages over a decade of experience in hospitality and event management. In her multifaceted role, she is responsible for organizing client events and experiences, conducting thorough aircraft market research, managing documentation and office operations, overseeing bookkeeping, and providing comprehensive administrative support for the rest of the team. Alexandra’s diverse expertise and dedication to delivering nothing short of excellence significantly contribute to the success of the organization.