Søren has around 20 years of experience in executive and board roles in both public and private organisations. He has held three CEO positions in different sectors, and is now dedicated to working only as a professional on international boards. He has extensive experience in the textile and ecommerce sectors and until August 2020 was Executive Director of Krifa, a large Christian labour organisation in Denmark. He has served on numerous boards since 2004 and has been a MAF Denmark board member since 2016. Søren has experience of working cross-culturally, particularly in China, US, eastern and southern Europe. His core competencies are marketing, purpose/strategy, digitisation, and HR, and he has been involved in the transformation of a number of companies and brands.

Jean is a results-oriented and strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in operational management, organizational development, and people leadership. She has a proven track record of driving growth, shaping company culture, and enhancing operational efficiency in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments. Jean holds an MBA from Edinburgh Business School and is an FCCA and CPA. She is an elder at her local church in Kenya and has been familiar with the work of MAF since 2005. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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