Vertical Aerospace announced the appointment of Marc Fontaine to its Board of Directors, effective October 21, 2026. Fontaine currently serves as CEO of Helsing SAS and brings over two decades of experience at Airbus.
Board Appointment Details
Vertical Aerospace announced the appointment of Marc Fontaine to its Board of Directors on October 21, 2026. Fontaine currently serves as CEO of Helsing SAS, the French entity of European military AI company Helsing, and brings more than two decades of experience at Airbus across its commercial aircraft, defence and space, and helicopter businesses.
Before joining Helsing, Fontaine served as Digital Transformation Officer at Airbus, leading a team of 2,000 and launching its aviation data platform, Skywise. His previous roles at Airbus included Company Secretary and Chief of Staff to the CEO, alongside positions in business development and mergers and acquisitions.
Leadership and Strategic Review
Fontaine's appointment follows the additions of former Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Fabrice Brégier as Chair of Vertical's Board and former Leonardo Helicopters U.S. CEO Clyde Woltman as a director. On September 24, 2026, Vertical also retained Jefferies LLC as its financial advisor for its review of strategic alternatives.
Vertical CEO Stuart Simpson stated that Fontaine's experience will assist the company as it advances its Valo aircraft toward certification and commercial operations. Fontaine noted that Valo's architecture is designed to accommodate a hybrid-electric powertrain for extended-range missions and defence applications.
Key facts and where they come from
- Vertical Aerospace appointed Marc Fontaine to its Board of Directors on October 21, 2026.
Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation, today announced the appointment of Marc Fontaine to its Board of Directors, effective 21 October 2026.
- Marc Fontaine serves as CEO of Helsing SAS.
Mr. Fontaine currently serves as CEO of Helsing SAS, the French entity of Helsing, the European leader in military AI.
- Vertical retained Jefferies LLC as its financial advisor on September 24, 2026.
As previously announced on 24 September 2026, Vertical has also retained Jefferies LLC as its financial advisor in connection with its review of strategic alternatives