Vertical Aerospace Ltd. has made several leadership appointments as the company moves towards a pivotal phase of certifying its VX4 aircraft and commercialisation. Stuart Simpson, Vertical?s CFO and seasoned FTSE100 executive with a career which spans 30 years and includes leadership roles across the technology, automotive and logistics sectors, 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. Stuart joined Vertical Aerospace in 2023 from Avast, a FTSE100 global leader in digital security and privacy, where he was Group CFO and a member of the leadership team that was responsible for the company?s $9 billion merger with NortonLifeLock in 2021. Prior to that, Stuart held the roles of Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Royal Mail Group, overseeing the Group?s return to the FTSE100 during his tenure.

Concurrently, he was a Board member at GLS Group, a global, technology led, parcel service provider. Stuart also has extensive automotive industry experience in the UK and internationally, having held several Director roles at General Motors globally and senior positions at Rolls Royce and Bentley Motor Car Company. The process for appointing a new CFO is underway, with Stuart continuing to oversee the company?s financial function in the interim.