Electric Vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Vertical Aerospace has appointed a former CEO of Leonardo Helicopters US to its board.
On October 5, 2026, Vertical Aerospace confirmed Clyde M. Woltman had joined the board of directors, effective immediately.
The British company said Woltman brings expertise in US defense, government and aerospace commercialization as it advances its commercial, hybrid-electric, autonomous and defense strategy.
Woltman was CEO of Leonardo Helicopters US from January 2022 to February 2026, and previously held senior leadership roles at Aerojet Rocketdyne, now part of L3Harris Technologies, and Pratt & Whitney.
At Pratt & Whitney, he oversaw advanced defense and aerospace programs, including the F135 propulsion system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
During his time at Leonardo, Vertical said Woltman “led a $1 billion business spanning sales, engineering, certification, production, customer support and R&D across the Americas, alongside U.S. Government and Foreign Military Sales programmes globally”.
“As we progress Valo towards certification and commercialisation, we are focused on disciplined execution, expanding our platform across hybrid-electric, autonomous and defence applications,” Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, said. “Clyde brings an exceptional combination of aerospace leadership, industrial execution and direct experience with U.S. defence and international government communities at a pivotal stage in Vertical’s development.”
Woltman is also a retired US Marine Corps Colonel, bringing valuable insight into military aviation, operations, strategy and program delivery.
“Vertical has the technology, team and strategic momentum to build a leading next-generation aerospace company,” Woltman said. “I am delighted to join the Board at a time when the Company is expanding its commercial opportunities while exploring the significant potential for its technology across government and defence applications.”
Vertical recently appointed former Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO Fabrice Brégier as chair of its board.
Carsten Stendevad and James Keith Brown have given notice of their intention to resign as directors, effective from October 5, 2026.