Malcolm (Mal) was the owner and founder of the Pacific Helicopters Group, one of the largest providers of aviation services in the southern hemisphere.

Mal was born in England and immigrated to Australia as a child. Here, he completed his education and served with distinction in the Australian Defence Forces. While serving, Mal qualified as a helicopter pilot and subsequently began his career in aviation. In 1969, Mal was posted to Papua New Guinea where he established the Pacific Helicopters Group. The business soon expanded and diversified into building and construction, hotels, and resorts. Mal was the Executive Chairman of the group and was always actively involved in the business, spending time in both Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Throughout more than forty years in business, Mal has always made time to serve the not-for-profit sector. A strong advocate of global corporate social responsibility, he held management and leadership roles in several national and international non-profit organisations. Mal pioneered and implemented grant development programs and business partnerships focused on improving social and economic conditions in developing communities. He was named by the PNG Times as one of the most influential business leaders in Goroka, in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea, and was regularly consulted on issues concerning environmental research and conservation.

The Kela Foundation is Mal’s initiative to assist and support underprivileged and disadvantaged communities in Australia.