Vertical Aerospace Adds Clyde Woltman to Board as Valo Certification Work Continues

Vertical Aerospace has appointed Clyde Woltman to its Board of Directors. Woltman brings a blend of commercial aerospace, defense, and government program experience to the eVTOL developer. He previously served as CEO of Leonardo Helicopters US, where he oversaw a business valued at roughly $1 billion, with responsibilities covering sales, engineering, certification, production, customer support, and research and development across the Americas. Before Leonardo, he held senior roles at Aerojet Rocketdyne, now part of L3Harris Technologies, and Pratt & Whitney, including work on the F135 propulsion system for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, Woltman also led aviation, operations, and program delivery efforts, including command posts during combat operations.

The company said the appointment is aimed at deepening its board’s U.S. defense, government, and aerospace expertise. That focus aligns with Vertical’s twin ambitions: securing certification for its Valo aircraft for commercial use while exploring hybrid-electric, autonomous, and defense-oriented applications of its technology. Woltman’s background in both military aviation and large-scale commercial programs could prove useful as Vertical navigates the complex regulatory and industrial landscape on both sides of the Atlantic.

His arrival follows another significant board change: Fabrice Brégier, former CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, was recently named Chair of Vertical’s Board. Together, the two appointments signal a deliberate effort to surround the company with leaders who have deep experience in aircraft certification, manufacturing, and global aerospace operations. Vertical is currently progressing through aircraft development, testing, and manufacturing preparations for the Valo. The company has previously stated it is targeting UK Civil Aviation Authority Type Certification in 2029, with the first certification-conforming aircraft expected to be assembled in 2027.

At the same time, Vertical announced that Carsten Stendevad and James Keith Brown will step down as directors, with both resignations effective October 5. The company thanked both for their service. The board reshuffle comes as Vertical continues to balance near-term certification milestones with longer-term ambitions in defense and advanced air mobility. As the eVTOL sector matures, having board members with backgrounds in defense procurement, government relations, and commercial aviation could be critical for companies seeking to secure partnerships and navigate regulatory pathways. Vertical’s progress on the Valo will be watched closely as it moves toward assembly of its first conforming aircraft and eventual certification.