Our Board and Leadership

Hardy B Truelsen is the founder and chairperson of Scandinavian Avionics Group (SA Group), Denmark, a globally reputed name in Aviation Services, especially Avionics.

An electronic engineer who worked with the Danish Air Force for 7 years and after that Hardy founded Scandinavian Avionics (SA) at Billund, Denmark in 1978. At the time, the objective mainly (just for info was our (by far) biggest contract in the 80ties with Danish Air Force (INS Repair)) was to serve the civil aircraft industry with sales, installation, and maintenance of avionics. After two years, Scandinavian Avionics first expanded to Oslo, Norway, and since then, has grown to become a significantly large organization comprising 14 international divisions – The SA Group – across Europe, Middle East, India, and the Southeast Asia.

In fact, the Group is one of the biggest independent avionics companies outside the USA and is widely regarded as a highly specialized and experienced organization characterized by high quality products, excellent services, worldwide support, and a responsive, open-minded, and professional attitude in all aspects of the business. The group’s businesses include product development, design, engineering & STCs, production services, installation services, aircraft interiors, training services, MRO/ maintenance services, logistics & parts services, and consultancy services, backed by a comprehensive basket of suitable regulatory approvals like a.o. EASA, FAA, UK-CAA.

Having been at the Group’s helm for more than five decades, Hardy’s entrepreneurial nature and passion for aviation have infused the Group with a cultural predisposition to seize the initiative, to retain its industry leadership and global reputation. Today, the SA Group provides turn-key avionics solutions for civil and military aircraft, helicopters and UAS and is an appointed distributor and service centre for most of the civil avionics OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturer's), aside from having commercial agreements with many key military producers – several on an exclusive basis.

Hardy enjoys the future development and opportunities with both his son and daughter working in and sharing future responsibilities for the Group.

Anand is the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Air Works Group since 2019, having joined the Company as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2010.

Under his stewardship, the Group has gradually transformed into an agile, profitable and a much-admired enterprise with a diversified portfolio of services and solutions. Anand has strengthened the Group’s presence in the aviation and aerospace ecosystem, using a philosophy that emphasizes a digital-first approach, champions accountability and long-term partnership, backed by an active market participation, to realize business ambitions. Today, the Air Works Group is India’s biggest, independent aviation services major with an unparalleled network presence and customer relationships that span business, commercial aviation, and defense sectors.

As a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience in planning and establishing Greenfield Projects, Project Funding, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Six Sigma projects, Anand architected Air Works’ strong global expansion post 2010, helping it become India’s first and only multinational MRO with presence in France, the United Kingdom, Middle East and the USA, with multiple engineering & maintenance facilities and an comprehensive service portfolio including several new ones such as Interiors & Finishing, Avionics, Asset Management, and Training. In 2014, as Head of Commercial MRO, he also single-handedly ensured the turnaround of the business within four years.

Throughout his career across multiple industries, Anand has displayed decisive leadership, balancing the big picture with hands-on execution, by combining effectiveness, empathy, and inclusivity, together with collaboration across functions, roles, and geographies. This has enabled him to step beyond his core responsibilities and contribute significantly to organizations such as Genpact – a NYSE-listed company, where he was a SVP and Global Controller, Canon India, Pepsi and GE.

Ajay has been with SA Air Works since 2014 as its Head of Business. He was appointed as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019 and later as CEO & Whole time Director

A brilliant strategist, Ajay brings a strong sense of purpose and discipline to the business. His extensive experience in business development and people management, backed by razor-sharp techno-commercial skills, enriched over his 27-year professional career with global technology brands such as Collins Aerospace, Tata Communications and HCL Infosystems make him a highly perceptive individual.

His command over several high technology areas such as IT/ OA, Broadband/ Data Connectivity, Radio/ HF/ VHF/ Fibre Communication (Ground, Air, Marine), Satellite Communications, Electronic Warfare, and Aerospace/ Avionics, rich industry understanding, and a flair for demystifying complex business requirements make Ajay a highly versatile and go-to leader who manages a lean, highly engaged, and profitable enterprise. In fact, his hands-on and go-getter attitude are an inspiration to his entire team.

Over the years, Ajay has successfully used his strengths to transform SA Air Works into a sustainable organization having a highly responsive and customer focused culture. Under his leadership, the company has grown its business multi-fold as well as strengthened its capabilities in design, upgrades, and systems integration, along with an enviable portfolio of key platforms that span both civil and military aviation.

Managing over 200 domestic & international aircraft every year, SA Air Works has become the preferred partner for leading aircraft owners/ operators, flying schools, OEMs, and the Indian defense services.