• 06 Jul 2022 04:15 PM
• 0

Leadership Moves, Jul-Aug 2022

Archer Consolidates Leadership under Goldstein

Archer Aviation announced on April 18 that Adam Goldstein had assumed the position of sole CEO at the California-based electric VTOL developer. Archer cofounder Brett Adcock, who had previously served as co- CEO, also resigned from the Archer’s board of directors on May 9, citing differing visions for the company. In a press release, Archer said that the move was intended to simplify its leadership structure. “Over the last four years at Archer, the team has worked tirelessly to become a leader in the eVTOL industry,” said Goldstein in a statement. “I also want to thank Brett for his partnership and many contributions to Archer along the way.”

Opener Appoints Karklin

Ken Karklin will serve as CEO of Opener Aero, a Canadian-founded / Palo Alto, California-based eVTOL developer, the company announced on May 27. Karklin will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations at the company and will join its board of directors. He replaces Opener founder Marcus Leng in the position. Karklin previously worked for 13 years at AeroVironment, where he held multiple leadership positions. These included serving as AeroVironment’s Chief Operating Officer and as its senior vice president for operations. “Ken brings a breadth of cross functional leadership competencies to Opener that are exceptionally aligned with our forthcoming transition to customer shipments and revenue production of the BlackFly Personal Air Vehicle,” Leng said in a statement.

Roewe Takes Helm at Lilium

On June 1, Lilium announced that Klaus Roewe will lead the German eVTOL developer as CEO. Roewe, a former Airbus executive, will succeed Daniel Wiegand, Lilium co-founder and the current CEO, in the position. Wiegand will continue as the chief engineer for innovation and future programs, and as a board director. Prior to joining Lilium, Roewe served for 30 years at Airbus, where he led Airbus’ A320 and A320neo programs, among other prominent leadership positions in program management, engineering and customer service.

“I’m proud to be joining the most innovative and differentiated eVTOL company in our industry,” said Klaus Roewe in a statement. “I look forward to working with all the Lilium teams to advance the development of our aircraft and to drive Lilium’s success in revolutionizing sustainable air transport.”