Vertical Aerospace, a leader in zero-emission aviation, has announced significant changes to its leadership structure as the company approaches a critical phase in certifying and commercializing its VX4 aircraft. Stuart Simpson, a seasoned executive with a 30-year career spanning technology, automotive, and logistics sectors, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective immediately.
Simpson, who joined Vertical Aerospace in 2023, moves into the CEO role from Avast, where he served as Group CFO and played a pivotal role in the company’s $9 billion merger with NortonLifeLock in 2021. His previous experience includes senior positions at Royal Mail Group, General Motors, Rolls Royce, and Bentley Motor Car Company.
Outgoing founder and CEO Stephen Fitzpatrick will continue to contribute to Vertical's strategic direction as a board member. Fitzpatrick expressed his pride in Vertical's journey, stating, "Vertical leads the world into a new era of electric flight and becomes a British engineering success story. Stuart’s extensive leadership experience makes him incredibly well-qualified to lead the company into this next phase, and I am excited to see what we will achieve under his leadership."
Alongside Simpson’s appointment, Vertical has strengthened its board with Ben Story, a former Rolls-Royce director and executive team member. Story’s 30 years of experience in industrial technology, energy, transportation, and global finance are expected to be invaluable as Vertical progresses toward the VX4’s market launch.
Mike Flewitt, Chairman of Vertical, commented on the new appointments, saying, "Stuart and Ben are fantastic additions to take the business through this exciting phase of its corporate evolution. Both have significant strategic and fundraising experience that will strengthen what is already a very strong team with decades of experience in certifying and bringing new aircraft to market."
These leadership changes come at a pivotal moment for Vertical Aerospace as the final assembly of the new generation full-scale VX4 prototype nears completion. The aircraft, featuring next-generation propellers and Vertical's proprietary battery technology, is on track to begin a robust test flight program. Public demonstrations are planned for the Farnborough International Airshow and Heathrow Airport later in 2024.
Stuart Simpson, reflecting on his new role, remarked, "It’s been phenomenal to experience the progress the business has made since I joined. I look forward to working with our formidable team in progressing our path to certification, bringing in additional investment, and taking the VX4 to market."
As Vertical Aerospace moves into this crucial phase, the company’s leadership is poised to navigate through the challenges of transitioning from prototype to a commercially viable, zero-emission aircraft that could redefine urban mobility.
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