Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides leadership and strategic direction for JEDA. Composed of experienced professionals drawn from across Europe’s national drone associations, the Board ensures that JEDA speaks with one voice and delivers on its mission to represent the European drone community.
Its members bring decades of expertise in aviation, regulation, training, innovation, and industry development, giving JEDA the credibility and authority to shape policies at both the European and global level. Together, they guide the association’s activities, oversee collaboration with EU institutions and industry partners, and safeguard JEDA’s role as the trusted platform for Europe’s national drone associations.
Julie Garland
President
Julie Garland became President of JEDA in 2024. With a background as an Airline Captain, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, and Barrister-at-Law, she combines operational, technical, and legal expertise.
As Founder & CEO of Avtrain, one of Europe’s leading drone training providers, Julie has set high standards for pilot certification and advanced aerial mobility readiness.
She is widely recognised as a thought leader, shaping regulatory discussions and promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation at both European and global level.
Achim Friedl
Honorary President
Achim Friedl serves as the Honorary President of the Joint European Drone Associations (JEDA).
He was the first President of JEDA, playing a key role in the foundation and early development of the association. With a distinguished career in aviation from senior leadership in the German Federal Police Aviation Unit to decades of active involvement in the European unmanned aviation community, he brings exceptional operational, regulatory, and strategic expertise.
As Honorary President, Achim Friedl participates in JEDA’s governance bodies in an advisory capacity, contributing his experience and vision to support the association’s mission of building a safe, harmonised, and innovative European drone ecosystem.
Philippe Boyadjis
Vice-President
A founding member of JEDA, Philippe Boyadjis has served as Vice-President since 2022 and is also President of France’s Fédération Professionnelle du Drone Civil (FPDC).
Based in Paris, he leads a professional drone pilot training organisation and is a certified operator himself. Philippe brings strong expertise in training, regulation, and industry advocacy, representing the sector in national and European forums.
His focus is on building a professional, safe, and competitive drone ecosystem through education, policy engagement, and cross-border cooperation.
Vidmantas Kairys
Vice-President
As a founding member of JEDA and President of Lithuania’s Asociacija Dronea, Vidmantas Kairys has nearly three decades of experience in aviation strategy, business development, and public–private partnerships.
Vidmantas has worked across airlines, airports, ANSPs, and government. He contributes deep expertise in European regulatory processes and has been actively involved in major SESAR research and demonstration projects.
He advocates for drone technology as a driver of economic growth and societal benefit, building bridges between industry, regulators, and international organisations.
Stefan Hristozov
Secretary (Interim)
Stefan Hristozov, Secretary of JEDA since 2023, is the founder of Unmanned Systems Bulgaria and holds a PhD in Cybernetics.
His career spans aviation, robotics, and innovation, with active contributions to EASA expert groups, JARUS working groups, and Bulgaria’s U-space initiatives. Stefan has also taken part in European accelerator programmes, developing solutions in UTM, resilience, and emergency response.
His ability to link research with policy and industry practice makes him a key contributor to the safe and innovative integration of drones in Europe.
Laurent Geeraerts
Treasurer
Treasurer of JEDA since 2022, Laurent Geeraerts is Head of Training at Noordzee Drones in Belgium and a board member of the Belgian Drone Federation (BDF).
With a background in geospatial surveying and aerial mapping, he has over a decade of experience in drone applications and professional training. Laurent has contributed to national and European working groups on UAS regulation and training standards.
As Treasurer, he ensures sound financial governance while bringing the perspective of a trainer and industry advocate to JEDA’s strategic priorities.
