Working in a collaborative way, focusing on our skills and talents to deliver world class service. WE deliver Value. WE are Customer Centric. WE strive to be the BEST.
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Rick Warren
The Boss, aka Managing Partner and CEO
Rick identified a need in the market place to create a client-focused boutique agency, that puts the customer and service first. Getting back to basics is Rick’s style – delivering high quality content, on time and returning value to both his studio and airline partners. He is committed to investing in the right people and the right technology, with the vision of streamlining process and enhancing the customer experience. The Lifetime Achievement Award winner was previously President and Managing Partner of Post Modern Group for 17 years.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
Phone: 949-577-9761
Management
Kate is passionate about airlines and entertainment, and is leading the fly and cruise teams with the same high level of enthusiasm that you all know and love. She has much success in building CSP businesses while also having the privilege of working with a global network of clients. With an emphasis on delivering content strategies on brand and in style, she builds successful teams that deliver on promises.
“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together.” -Elizabeth Taylor
Phone: 949-577-9762
Kate K Groth
President, Everything
Industry veteran Eric brings high energy leadership skills and operational excellence, doubled down with a clear focus on customer results. Eric manages West’s Operational and Technical departments – as well as working with airlines to develop their social media strategies across multiple platforms. Eric is leading the development of WE – West’s Workflow Engine. Previously, Eric led the U.S. expansion of the Atlas Air group, managing all partnerships and relationships.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” - Tommy Lasorda
Phone: 949-577-9768
Eric Silverstein
VP, Operations and Technology
Flavia leads sales at West Fly with a sunny smile and can-do attitude. She has extensive knowledge of the IFEC sector having successfully managed a diverse range of airline accounts globally over the past 15 years. With a deep passion for the industry, Flavia is dedicated to putting clients first by delivering unbeatable value, content and service. Want a fresh look at your IFEC? Flavia's ready to help!
"To infinity and beyond!" - Buzz Lightyear
Flavia Verano
VP, Strategic Development
His title says it all – well known in the IFE industry, Shafin brings over 14 years’ experience in his roles as a customer service representative and Director of Lab Services. His biggest clients have included 20th Century FOX, Captive Entertainment, Jaguar and Skeye. Taking what he has learned in the past, he is focused on improving the process and delivery, thriving on finding efficient ways to provide the best customer service to his clients. An all-round good guy – he believes teamwork and open communication are the keys to success.
“A customer is the most important visitor on our premises, he is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work. He is the purpose of it. He is not an outsider in our business. He is part of it. We are not doing him a favor by serving him. He is doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to do so.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Phone: 949-577-9765
Mobile: 310-245-7607
Shafin Virji
Legendary VP of Lab Services
Lee has an impeccable reputation in the IFE industry and brings with her a wealth of close entertainment and aviation relationships. She provides expert advice to the team – from Sales and Service to Technical and HR – and she keeps our team on track and smiling every day. She received APEX’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, which means she is seasoned but not too seasoned to be our very own Special Advisor!
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength” - Sara Blakely
Phone: 949.577.9760
Lee Casey
Very Special Advisor
Lindsay understands the importance of the relationship between the airline and their CSP. She is an expert at understanding both the operational and programming aspects of an account, delivering bespoke IFE strategies within the constraints of complex IFE systems. Lindsay has been in the industry for 12 years, and has developed a deep level of trust and respect with distributors, hardware vendors and airlines alike. She knows that her clients’ success is paramount to her success.
“You are the artist of your own life. Don’t hand the paintbrush to anyone else.”
Phone: 949-577-9763
Lindsay Arellano
Senior Account Director Extraordinaire
Ayesha has spent the last 8 years as a client service manager in the maritime industry. She sailed the seven seas – representing Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and Crystal Cruises. With a passion for her entertainment and clients – she is a perfect fit for both our cruise and fly divisions.
“Working hard for something we don't care about is called stress: Working hard for something we love is called passion.” - Simon Sinek
Phone: 949-577-9766
Ayesha Virji
Client Success Director
Following a life long passion for entertainment, Alfy has created a unique niche in the airline and entertainment industries. Alfy’s ability to bring together successful relationships between the entertainment Industry and airline’s inflight entertainment precedes him. He is known for his award winning accomplishments at both Frontier and Virgin America. He has also served as president of APEX.
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." - Ferris Bueller
Phone: 619-829-0741
Alfy Veretto
Strategic Innovator
Tony Blokdyk
Senior Director, Client Relationships
Fly
Nuha is a dedicated professional with exemplary Administrative, Communication, Customer Service and IFE Experience with an extensive background in Content Management and Metadata Management. She has over 25 years of experience in the Inflight Entertainment Industry, previously working at AEI Inflight, Sony TransCom, Rockwell Collins and Thales Avionics. Nuha has ninja-like attention to detail, is a team player and is always willing to support at all levels of the business.
“Nothing is Impossible, the word itself says “I’m Possible”! -Audrey Hepburn
Phone: 949-577-9774
Nuha Shouga
Metadata Maestro
Ryan joined West Entertainment in 2017. He brings dedication anda positive energy to the workplace on a daily basis. As Media Coordinator, Ryan is a liaison between CSP, labs, and distributors, to ensure content is received and/or delivered on time.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” – Mae West
Phone: 949.577.9760
Ryan Warren
Media Manager
Daniel is a California native who enjoys soaking up the sun, being creative, and working in the IFE Industry. Efficiently interacting with Distributors, Airlines, and Hardware Vendors, his industry knowledge continues to grow. As an ambitious and driven Media Coordinator, Daniel is eager to do a job well done.
“Always believe that the impossible is possible” – Selena Quintanilla-Perez
Daniel Marquez
Media Coordinator
Fly UAE
Sandy is a dream catcher. She has 17 years of experience in various facets of media including broadcast, television, movie production and IFE in the international market. An excellent communicator and leader, with a track record of 1st class account management and consistently exceeding expectations, delivering exceptional quality assurance and boosting efficiency. She is a multi-skilled professional who has a creative mindset, talkative personality and a hands on approach to problem solving.
“Being a positive in a negative situation is not naïve. Its leadership.”
Mobile: +97154707075
Sandy Demerjian
Account Director
Aviegale is a seasoned professional with vast experience in Corporate & International Procurement and Content Programming. She has exceptional capacity to enter new environments and begin to produce clear-cut results. She offers massive experience & track record of negotiation deals. Her professionalism, hardworking and ability to work with many personalities and groups of people from different ethnicity stands out as her greatest asset.
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”. -Helen Keller
Mobile: +97 52 3878301
Aviegale Saring
Account Manager
Sarah is an ambitious person who has worked previously in the Entertainment Metadata Coordinator domain as a programming executive. Her strength lies on the passion, time and energy she gives for anything she does.
“One that would have the fruit must climb the tree.” - Thomas Fuller
Phone: +971501990608
Sarah Hammoud
Metadata Coordinator
With over 16 years of experience in the IFE industry, Tanvir brings a wealth of experience on all IFE technical aspects – from metadata and process management to quality control, encoding, encryption, and delivery. He is responsible for driving the implementation of new systems and infrastructure to support our operations in the Middle East.
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” (Colin Powell)
Tanvir Chatha
Director, Operations & Tech Services
Create
Andrew brings to West nearly two decades of expertise in production and post. He is passionate about helping our clients understand the critical role music and sound play in film and visual media.
During his time at West, Andrew has expanded his knowledge of post-production workflows to include editorial and VFX, and continues to bridge the latest technology with the creative process.
“In the same way that painting, or looking at paintings, makes you see the world in a different way, listening to interestingly arranged sounds makes you hear differently.” -Walter Murch
Phone: 949–577-9760
Andrew Maltese
Director of Post Production
Jesse brings over 20 years of Inflight Entertainment experience with expertise in VOD content management, Subtitle Authoring, CDN, End-to-end Streaming, DRM, and playback. Knowledge of Cloud Solutions to deliver a more cost efficient way to streamline workflows to save costs across the board. Over the years he has witnessed the changing demands of the industry, and knows what is needed to stay competitive in the market place. Keeping an open mind and the ability to continue to learn new technologies has helped him grow and evolve in this ever changing world of information.
“Your future is whatever you make it, make it a good one.” - Emmett "Doc" Brown
Phone: 949-577-9767
Jesse Leiva
Director of Content Development
Hugo is an expert Quality Control operator and Data Wrangler. He brings over 15-years of dedicated in-flight entertainment technical experience to the team. A skilled VOD operator with a keen eye for QC, with experience spanning from video tapes, DVDs and CDs duplication, to working with all digital specifications with Minerva, Digital Rapids, Premier and Selenio Flex systems. His extensive knowledge on the digital process means that you are always in the best of hands.
Phone: 949.577.9280
Hugo Hernandez
Data Wrangler
Troy brings nine years of experience in the IFE industry. He has an unrivaled passion for providing our customers with the best service in the business. He treats every day as a welcome challenge to continue to grow and evolve with the ever-changing landscape.
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started” – Mark Twain
Phone: 949-577-9760
Troy Thomas
Customer Service Rep
With over 35 years of experience in production and post production and 20 of those years spent in the Inflight Entertainment Industry Jon brings a unique blend of skills to bare at West. An excellent communicator whose creativity and expertise shine in all types of productions whether it be shooting, editing or producing Jon is an adept craftsman. A diplomatic mediator focused on relationship building and teamwork makes Jon a valuable member of the West production and editing crew.
“Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it.” -George Halas
Phone: 949-577-9760
Jon Faulkner
Creative Media Specialist
I’ve been in the IFE industry for over 10-years, started my career as a tape operator, then moving on up to data manager. I love the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. I believe opportunities open-up when you take chances.
"What matters in life is not what happens to you, but what you remember and how you remember it.” - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Jose Haro
Data Wrangler
I have over 20 years’ experience in audio engineering and production. I've worked for Rick Warren for the better part of two decades and I can tell you that there is no better place or person to work for than West Entertainment.
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore is not an act but a habit” - Aristotle
James Mannion
Audio Engineer
I love working in the Entertainment Industry and started my career in 1998 as a Camera Operator for the Newscast and have been working in the industry since then. When I am not at my desk, I love hiking, reading, cooking, and going out dancing.
“Say only what is true and useful… Only I can change my life. I control my own destiny….” - Mannie
Mannie Heng
Quality Control Specialist
I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now, always in IFE Production. When not at work, one of my favorite activities is going on hikes, I love being outdoors and exploring new places. I have had to learn to enjoy the journey in life, not just focus on the destination.
"Some people say there's nothing new under the sun. I still think that there's room to create, you know. And intuition doesn't necessarily come from under this sun. It comes from within.” - Pharrell Williams
Nick Morales
Data Wrangler
Jacob Blokdyk
QC Specialist
Admin
Over a decade of experience in enterprise IT, systems administration, and support Mike is always the go to guy for our technical solutions at West Entertainment. Even with a new baby at home he always seems to be available for staff and customers. Mike's diverse technical skill set and personal commitment position him well to lead our IT team.
“The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second, stick-to-itiveness; third, common sense." - Thomas A. Edison
Phone: 949-577-9771
Mike Ferreira
IT Director
With 30 years as a professional in the production and post production industry Martin offers expertise in broadcast technologies and in-flight entertainment, online post production, staff education, production lab management, as well as studio and facility design. He is our jack of all trades – he is focused on getting us all up to speed and up and running.
"Keep learning. You don’t know what you don’t know."
Phone: 949-577-9764
Martin Wright
VP of Operations
Alison is a visual storyteller - and able to use the skills she's learned after years of experience to do just that. Her expertise in visual arts and communications, plus knowledge of social media, content creation and graphic design create the perfect balance we need to be the social voice of West Entertainment.
"If you're just living the same life that everybody else is living, what's the point?" - Todd Rundgren
Alison Wright
Social Butterfly
Contact Us
USA Address:
1582 Deere Ave, Suite A, Irvine CA, 92606
UAE Address:
ICAD 1 Musaffah, Business Hub
Abu Dhabi Business Hub-Studio B
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
SO #24
Email: hello@westent.com
Phone: +1(949) 577-9760