“Wisk Appoints Sebastien Vigneron as New CEO, Brian Yutko Moves to Boeing”
U.S-based Wisk Aero, a leading autonomous eVTOL developer and wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, announced this week the appointment of Sebastien Vigneron as its new CEO, reports a press release.
He previously served as Wisk’s Senior VP of Engineering and Programs, and will succeed Brian Yutko, who is transitioning to a leadership role within Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes Division (BCA).
Vigneron had led the Product Development of the Wisk’s Generation 6 aircraft, including the Autonomy and Airspace Integration technologies. He also oversaw the Hardware & Software Engineering, Simulation, Systems Test, Flight Test and Program Management teams.
His appointment comes at a significant time for Wisk, as the company prepares to fly its Gen 6 aircraft and progress on its certification path. His background and intimate knowledge of new aircraft development is key to accelerating Wisk’s path towards commercialisation.
He brings over 20 years of aircraft development experience to his role as CEO. Before joining Wisk in 2021, Vigneron was VP of Product Development Engineering and Chief Engineer at Virgin Hyperloop, where he led the development of the Hyperloop system, a new mode of transportation from requirements capture through design, build and test.
He also held leadership and technical roles at Bombardier and Dassault Aviation, developing type-certified aircraft from initial concept through flight testing and certification.
Brian Yutko (Credit: Julie Boatman)
Vigneron commented, “Having been deeply involved in Wisk’s journey over the last four years, this is an exciting time for the company and AAM as a whole. I look forward to guiding our talented team through this critical stage and leveraging the enhanced collaboration with Boeing to bring safe, autonomous flight to everyday life.”
Brian Yutko is to become VP of Product Development at BCA. In this role, he will provide strategic oversight and support to Wisk.
Yutko commented, “I am honoured to join the storied Product Development team at Boeing and to connect the pioneering technologies and bold spirit of innovation we’ve cultivated at Wisk. Sebastien is an incredible leader and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the Wisk team as we fly Gen 6, progress our certification program and enter service.”
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(Top image: Sebastien Vigneron – credit: Wisk Aero)
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