Vertical Aerospace has announced several leadership appointments.
Stuart Simpson, Vertical’s CFO, has been appointed to CEO, effective immediately. He will be responsible for leading the execution of the company’s strategy as it progresses towards certification of the VX4 aircraft, bringing it to market, and launching further fundraising activity.
Founder and current CEO, Stephen Fitzpatrick, who recently committed additional capital to the company, will continue to play a prominent role in Vertical as a Board member, focused on business strategy and working with the executive team to deliver on the company’s vision.
The process for appointing a new CFO is underway, said Vertical, “with Stuart continuing to oversee the company’s financial function in the interim.”
Ben Story, a former Director and Executive Team member at Rolls-Royce, Board member at Transport for London and Managing Director at Citi, has also been appointed to the board of directors.
“The changes come as the final assembly of the new generation full-scale VX4 prototype nears completion, with the aircraft on track to begin a robust test flight programme ahead of intended public demonstrations at Farnborough International Airshow and Heathrow Airport later in 2024, said Vertical This prototype features next generation propellers, will use Vertical’s proprietary battery technology for the first time, and incorporates much more of the company’s leading aerospace partners’ technology.”
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