Volocopter Announces Leadership Transition, “New Advisory Board Appointments”
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) startup, Volocopter, has recently announced key leadership changes as it prepares to enter a critical phase in its development, reports aam-me.ae/.
With the certification of its VoloCity two-seat eVTOL nearing completion and with new funding on the horizon, the company is set to seek a new CEO.
Current CEO, Dirk Hoke, will step down in February 2025 after a pivotal two-year tenure. During his time with the company, he has played a crucial role in guiding Volocopter through significant technological advancements and financial stabilisation.
Under Hoke’s leadership, German-based Volocopter successfully navigated challenging market conditions and laid the groundwork for the commercialisation of its electric eVTOL aircraft.
Notably, the company completed a successful flight test campaign in Paris during the 2024 Olympic Games, bringing it closer to securing European Union Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) certification.
Reflecting on his tenure, Hoke commented, “In my career, I have never experienced such dynamic company development in such a short period. I am firmly convinced that the setup we have achieved puts us in the best possible position for the successful commercialisation of Volocopter.”
He added, “It has been a privilege to lead this great start-up with its impressive employees. Until the end of February 2025, I will devote all my energy to achieving EASA certification and creating an essential building block for Volocopter’s future.”
The Advisory Board, which accepted Hoke’s request to step down, will announce his successor in due course.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche (Credit: Volocopter)
In addition to Hoke’s departure, Volocopter has appointed Dr. Dieter Zetsche, former CEO of Daimler AG, as the new Chairman of the Advisory Board, effective immediately.
Zetsche is to play a crucial role in guiding the company’s strategic direction as it prepares for its next growth phase. He succeeds Stefan Klocke, who will continue to serve as an active Advisory Board member.
Zetsche remarked, “I am looking forward to helping shape the transformation of urban mobility alongside Volocopter and contributing to ensuring that Germany remains a leading mobility location in the 21st century.”
Also, the German-based company has welcomed Dr. Zhihao Xu, CEO of Geely Technology Group, as a new member of its Advisory Board. Xu’s appointment strengthens the Board’s global perspective and aligns with Volocopter’s international growth strategy. Additionally, Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund (NIF), will continue to serve as an Advisory Board member.
In November 2022, NEOM, the smart and sustainable regional development in northwest Saudi Arabia, announced a USD175 million Series E investment in Volocopter.
In 2023, the partnership reached a major milestone with the successful completion of a series of air taxi test flights in Saudi Arabia, marking the first time an eVTOL aircraft received special flight authorisation and conducted test flights in the Kingdom.
For more information
News Source: aam-me.ae/
(Top image: Dirk Hoke – Credit Volocopter)
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