Meet the new MAF Board

Søren Filbert

Søren, who will be the Board Chair, is the current Board Chair of MAF International. His journey into MAF began in 2016 when he became a member of the MAF Denmark Board and he has served on the MAF International Board since 2022.

He says: "I’m deeply inspired by MAF’s Vision and Mission. It’s a privilege to take part in such meaningful work - serving isolated people and honouring God. Over the past 10 years, I’ve met many dedicated and gifted people across MAF. The staff and leadership truly make the difference, marked by humility, great skills, and Godliness, I feel blessed to be a part of this.

Board work is close to my heart. I’ve worked professionally with governance for the past five years, following a career as CEO in both for-profit and non-profit organisations. I currently chair four boards and have completed board training in Denmark, France, and the US.

I hope to contribute to MAF’s future through sound governance, strong board–executive collaboration, and a clear, visionary direction — helping shape an agile, co-creative culture."

Matthew Burton

Matthew originally qualified as a Chartered Surveyor but is now the Managing Partner of a national firm of Chartered Accountants. His interest in MAF dates back to his boyhood and was inspired by his grandfather who was a missionary in northern Nigeria. Prior to becoming closely involved in MAF, as a Board member and then Chair of MAF UK, he was Chairman of the Trustees of a small Christian charity operating in Zimbabwe and he retains a close interest in that country. He also holds a Private Pilot’s Licence. He is married to Ali and has three grown up daughters. Together they worship at a church near their home in Essex and they co-lead a home group. 

Matthew says: "Integration into 'One MAF' is a God ordained and seminal moment in our 80 year history. I’m privileged and excited to play my small part in ensuring we hugely increase our impact on the isolated communities that we exist to serve."

Ralph Gunn

Ralph joined the MAFI Board in June 2010 and serves on the Finance Committee and Safety Committee. He was a member of the MAF South Africa Board and served as Chairman for four years. Ralph works for the Investment Banking Division of Standard Bank in South Africa. He is currently with the Mining, Energy and Infrastructure team, looking at financing large scale projects or assets specifically in Africa. Before this, Ralph was with the Africa Regional Head Office of Barclays Bank, and was also part of a management consulting team on the banking industry across southern Africa, specifically in the area of implementation of mergers and regulation.

Ralph says: "I am most excited to see the family become stronger as one, as we unite further through integration. This season in MAF's journey is special for me as I was relatively new at the time of step 1 of our unification and to see this level of unity with the hope of reaching more isolated people now is a testimony of His grace upon MAF! If I can assist by serving MAF with what the Lord has equipped me with, it is a great honour."

Paul Henning

Paul Henning brings a lifetime of passion for people, purpose, and the African continent to his role as a new board member. With over 6,500 hours of flying experience, Paul has served in both commercial and humanitarian aviation, including work with Flying for Life, a sister organisation of MAF in South Africa. He has also served on the Board of MAF South Africa for the past seven years.

His leadership in operations and safety management is marked by a relational and inclusive approach that strengthens teams and fosters trust. Through years of involvement in outreaches, mission trips, and his former career producing human interest and wildlife documentaries, Paul is well versed in cross-cultural integration and engagement across Africa.

Rooted at Waterkloof Baptist Church, Paul and his wife, Lauren—who serves in Christian non-profit ministry—share a deep commitment to following Jesus and raising their daughters, Zoë and Vida, in a life of faith and purpose.

Paul says: "I am excited about my contribution to the new MAF because I am seeing hearts and minds unifying across the globe to effectively and efficiently continue fulfilling a mission, that WW2 veteran pilots, Betty Greene, Nate Saint and their contemporaries initiated with purpose 80 years ago, in response to the great commission that Christ gave to all of us.  For practical reasons, I am unable to be flying myself in those isolated communities, sharing His love and serving the people and therefore see this as an opportunity to support and serve those who do."  

Ian McBride

Ian has a broad range of experience in governance across church, mission and business, and has also been a part of MAF for many years. He lives in New Zealand with his wife Nikki, their five children and nine grandchildren. Ian and Nikki first served with MAF in Arnhem Land from 1994 to 2010 in various pilot and leadership roles. Since then, he has served on the Boards of MAF in both New Zealand and Australia. 

Ian is an elder in his local church, serves on various other boards, and enjoys working in his orchard growing kiwifruit. Ian says “The work of MAF is very close to my heart.  I am excited to be continuing to serve with MAF in this way and to see us grow our impact together with all God’s people around the world.”

Jean Mutabazi

Jean is the Chief People & Culture Officer at ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance). She shapes and delivers the company’s people strategy, driving culture transformation, leadership development, performance and rewards, employee engagement, and organisational design while leveraging data to align talent with business growth.

Jean is an elder at her local church in Kenya, where she also leads a Missional Community and the Advanced Leadership Core Practice. She has been familiar with the work of MAF since 2005 and has served on the MAF International Board since 2024.

Jean says: "As a young adult, I flew with MAF to South Sudan and witnessed firsthand how MAF transforms lives by reaching places others cannot. Being part of this mission today is deeply personal and purposeful for me. At this pivotal time in MAF’s journey of integration and strategic renewal, I am excited to contribute my experience in organisational transformation, change management, and operational efficiency through the smart deployment of AI while ensuring that human insight and compassion remain at the center of every decision. I look forward to serving a mission that brings hope, help and healing where it is needed most."