Fabi Riesen: Founder and CTO of Loft Dynamics
Fabi is the creator of the first and only VR pilot training devices with regulatory approval. Before founding Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland) in 2016, he spent over 20 years as a technical leader at Cisco Systems, earning the company’s prestigious Pioneer Award for his innovations.
With a background in electrical engineering and a passion for aviation, Fabi built his first VR motion simulator in 2014, combining virtual reality with motion platforms to enhance pilot training. This led to the development of Loft Dynamics’ EASA-qualified VR FTD Level 3 simulator, now used by leading organizations worldwide, including the FAA, Airbus Helicopters, and Air Zermatt.
Fabi holds degrees in Electrical and Software Engineering and an Executive MBA. A licensed fixed-wing pilot, he is currently obtaining his helicopter license. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the Swiss Alps and has climbed all 48 summits exceeding 4000 meters.
Rob Spence: Moderator & Entertainer
Rob Spence is an internationally recognized comedian and entertainer with 40 years of experience performing in four languages across 35 countries. Known for his quirky humor and infectious Aussie charm, Rob has captivated audiences at top festivals, TV shows, and corporate events worldwide. His skills extend beyond comedy, with a focus on using humor to boost creativity and reduce stress in the workplace.
With his dynamic presence and proven ability to engage diverse audiences, Rob is the ideal host to guide Loft Dynamics’ guests through the day, ensuring an unforgettable experience filled with laughter and connection.
Tobias Zumsteg: Mountain Flyers, Owner & CEO
Tobias Zumsteg has been the new owner and CEO of Mountain Flyers 80 Ltd since April 2025.
Mountain Flyers 80 Ltd. was founded in 1980 by Bernese REGA pilot Ueli Soltermann. The company specializes in basic and advanced helicopter pilot training across all license levels, as well as in scenic and transport flights. The team consists of 32 permanent and freelance staff based in Bern-Belp and Grenchen. The fleet includes 14 helicopters and two of the world’s first EASA-certified VR simulators by Loft Dynamics (R22/AS350B3e) for ground training.
Tobias Zumsteg has been active in aviation since his youth. At 16, he obtained his parachuting license and shortly thereafter became a member of the Swiss national formation skydiving team. As a professional skydiver, he competed internationally for both the national team and the Swiss Army (CISM Swiss Skydive). In addition, he managed the operations of Skydive Grenchen for three years alongside his professional career. In 2007, he earned his paragliding license, in 2012 he flew with Mountainflyers for the first time in a Robinson R22, and in 2016 he obtained his private pilot license, followed by a commercial pilot license in 2020 and flight instructor license in 2021. Tobias Zumsteg holds a degree in business administration and worked for 20 years at Zurich private bank Julius Baer, 15 of those in various leadership roles.
Michael Tchao: Apple, VP Product Marketing
Michael Tchao has served over 25 years at Apple in a wide range of positions in Marketing and Engineering, including 10 years as VP of iPad Product Marketing, where he helped develop Apple’s partnerships with airlines and the aviation industry.
He now heads up outreach for the Pro Workflow Team in Apple’s Hardware Engineering team, researching insights from Apple’s most demanding customers and developers to help inform future products.
Michael holds a Product Design Engineering degree from Stanford University.
Ton Stam: E2M Technologies B.V., Sales Director
Ton Stam has been working in the field of electric motion and control loading systems since the early zero’s. In 2012 he joined E2M Technologies as a Sales Manager and in 2017 he was appointed Sales Director, responsible for the worldwide sales of E2M products and solutions.
With a background in mechanical engineering and having 20+ years of experience in flight simulation, he understands both the technology as well as the customers, the end-users and the market.
Jørn Larsen: Founder & CEO, Trifork
Jørn Larsen is a Danish technology entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Trifork, (1996) an international listed IT company specializing in advanced software engineering, products and digital transformation.
Under his leadership, the company has expanded across Europe and North America, serving industries such as healthcare, fintech, Aviation, public sector, and manufacturing.
He is known for promoting agile methodologies, open-source technologies, and scalable digital platforms, AI and robotics.
His leadership approach emphasizes decentralized decision-making and empowering strong local management teams with an entrepreneurial mindset
In addition to his executive role, Larsen is active as a board member and investor in several technology ventures.
Hillary O’Connor Müri: Loft Dynamics AG, Head of Legal
Hillary O’Connor Müri is Head of Legal at Loft Dynamics, where she leads the company’s global legal strategy and supports its mission to advance the future of aviation training. She advises across all legal matters, including commercial, dispute resolution, and cross-border compliance, helping guide Loft’s innovative technology in a highly regulated and rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.
Hillary brings a rare combination of engineering, aviation, and legal expertise to her role. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Engineering with a specialization in Human Factors and previously served as a Naval Flight Officer in the United States Navy. Her operational experience includes flying the F-14D Tomcat, F/A-18F Super Hornet, F/A-18B/D Hornet, and F-16B Fighting Falcon. After her military service, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law and has since supported technology-driven organizations operating at the intersection of innovation and regulation.
Wither her background spanning frontline aviation, engineering, and law, Hillary offers a unique perspective on safety, risk, and the transformative potential of next-generation aerospace training technologies.
Kevin Gallagher: Director of Operations, Helinet Aviation in Los Angeles
Kevin Gallagher retired after more than 30 years of distinguished service with the Los Angeles Police Department, including 25 years in the Air Support Division, where he served as a Tactical Flight Officer, Command Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and for 11 years as Chief Pilot. As Chief Pilot, he oversaw the department’s flight training program and successfully integrated a Loft Dynamics VR simulator into the curriculum, improving mission readiness and operational safety. He earned a Master of Aeronautical Science with distinction in Aviation Safety Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and holds an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate along with Gold Seal Flight Instructor and Advanced Ground Instructor certificates. With over 7,000 total flight hours—6,000 in helicopters—he brings extensive operational and instructional expertise to the aviation industry. He currently serves as Director of Operations for Helinet Aviation in Los Angeles, California, where he oversees flight operations and safety standards.
Glen White: President, EuroSafety International, LLC
Glen White is the founder and principal of EuroSafety International, a global helicopter training organization redefining how pilots learn and retain critical safety knowledge. A former Airbus Helicopters pilot, Glen has spent more than two decades transforming traditional training through in person and online courses, advanced 3D animations, and data-driven instructional design grounded in human performance and safety science. His work bridges classroom, simulator, and operational reality, helping operators worldwide raise standards, improve decision-making, and reduce risk. At Loft Fest, Glen will share how modern digital training is reshaping the future of rotorcraft safety and pilot proficiency.
Murielle von Büren: Swiss Air Force Helicopter Pilot & Wing Commander
Murielle von Büren is a Swiss Air Force helicopter pilot and Wing Commander based in Payerne. After initially training as a teacher and working in education for two years, she joined the military and successfully completing the military flight selection process.
She went on to qualify as a professional military pilot, earning her ATPL and flying helicopters in operational service. Over the years, she has also been closely involved in pilot training, serving as a flight instructor on the PC-7 and the Super Puma. She is also involved as a flight instructor within the SPHAIR program.
After seven years as a squadron commander, she now leads a wing in Payerne, bringing together her passion for flying with her long-standing dedication to teaching and developing the next generation of pilots.
Nigel Sargent: Alaska Airlines, Director, Flight Simulator Operations
Nigel Sargent began his career at Rediffusion Simulation (RSL) in the 1980s at the age of 17, completing a five-year engineering apprenticeship in the UK.
After successfully finishing both college and his apprenticeship, he joined the customer support team at RSL. This role provided him with the opportunity to work on both military and civil Full Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) worldwide. He ultimately advanced to the position of Senior Engineer.
In 1995, he joined Alaska Airlines (ASA) in Seattle, Washington, as a Senior Engineer. In 2012, he was promoted to Director of Flight Simulator Operations, a role he continues to support today.
With a career spanning over 48 years, Nigel Sargent brings extensive experience and deep industry expertise in flight simulation and aviation training.
Gabrielle Ritter: Swissair / Swiss Air Line Pilot
Gabrielle Ritter (Gabrielle Lüthi) was Swissair’s First Female Air Line Pilot. She started training in July 1985 and subsequently started flying as Copilot on MD-80 in January 1987. Career steps included First Officer Position on MD-11 and then upgrading to become a Captain on A-320 in January 1999 (Gabrielle Musy). She concluded her career flying as Captain on Airbus A-330 and A340 in June 2021.
Before becoming a pilot Gabrielle trained and worked as an Air Traffic Controller in Geneva. She had to wait to become a pilot until Swissair officially opened up the possibility to apply in 1984.
Fritz Messerli: Head of Division Safety Flight Operations, Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)
Fritz Messerli is 56 years old and lives with his family near Zurich Airport. He started his aviation career 28 years ago as pilot in Swissair. He held various management functions in the SWISS Airbus fleet office, as head of training in skyguide and head of flight operations in Edelweiss Air. Since 2020 he is appointed as director of safety division flight operations in FOCA. He holds a current type rating on Airbus A330 aircraft.