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AMSL Aero appoints CEO to lead next growth phase

 (Sydney, Australia), developer of the hydrogen-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft Vertiia, has appointed Dr. Adriano Di Pietro as CEO. He brings deep sector knowledge, strategic acumen and scale-up and go-to-market experience to the role, with nearly 20 years of leadership and technical expertise spanning aerospace, automotive, defense and autonomous systems. Di Pietro commenced his CEO role at AMSL Aero as of July 7.

AMSL Aero CEO Adriano Di Petrio with chairman Chris Smallhorn.

Di Pietro joins AMSL Aero from the Aerospace Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) at Swinburne University where he served as director and CEO (interim) of the Australian Air Mobility Cooperative Research Centre (AAMCRC), leading an expert team supporting the growth of Australia’s uncrewed air systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility development and manufacturing industry. He has helped scale multiple high-tech ventures across Australia, the U.S. and Europe. 

In November 2024, AMSL Aero joined a group of top-tier global companies to fly Vertiia in untethered horizontal flight successfully. Di Pietro joins AMSL Aero as the company prepares to build its second full-scale prototype of Vertiia and undertake its first hydrogen-powered flight test program. He will lead AMSL Aero’s campaign for certification by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), scale up manufacturing capability and drive global commercial expansion, fueled by strong forward orders.

“I am excited to join AMSL Aero,” says Di Pietro. “I believe in the company’s bold vision to revolutionize air mobility through accessible zero-emissions technology. AMSL has a team that’s not only redefining the future of aviation but building a cleaner, faster and more connected regional transportation system, something that’s vital to Australia’s economic resilience, accessibility and future prosperity.”

Previously, Di Pietro held key roles at XTEK (now HighCom Group) as chief technology officer (CTO), where he led the commercialization of aerospace and defense technologies. He was also one of the first employees at Zoox, the Silicon Valley-based autonomous vehicle company acquired by Amazon, and held leadership roles at Quickstep Technologies, an aerospace composites manufacturer in Australia and Germany. Di Pietro holds a Ph.D. in advanced aerospace manufacturing technology and a degree in engineering.

Hexcel announces leadership transition in aerospace, industrial business

On July 10, Hexcel (Stamford, Conn., U.S.) announced the following leadership changes:

• Thierry Merlot will transition from his current role of president – aerospace Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Industrial, to executive VP, strategy effective Sept. 29, 2025, as part of succession planning as he prepares for his retirement from Hexcel at a future date.
• Lilian Brayle is joining Hexcel and will succeed Thierry as president of the Aerospace, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Industrial business, effective Sept. 29, 2025.

Brayle brings more than 30 years of global experience in the aerospace and defense industry. He joins Hexcel from Naval Group, where he served as executive VP of systems, equipment and propulsion. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at KNDS Group, Airbus and Safran, where he led large-scale, complex businesses and drove strategic growth initiatives.

Brayle holds a degree in mechanical and process engineering from the University of Sheffield, a degree in mechanical engineering from the National Institute of Applied Sciences and a master’s degree in international business from the National Institute of Applied Sciences.

Delta Marine remembers co-founder Ivor Jones

 (Seattle, Wash., U.S.) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of co-founder Ivor Jones.

Driven by an early passion for boat racing, Jones was defined by his relentless energy and unwavering commitment. He led by example, always hands-on and working alongside his crew. His drive was contagious, inspiring those around him to push harder and aim higher. Jones carried that ethic into the founding of Delta Marine in 1967 with his brother, Jack. Together, they built a prestigious U.S. yachtbuilding company.

From the start, Jones had a bold vision for the yard’s future. He invested in the infrastructure, assembled a talented team and created the environment for world-class boatbuilding to take root. In its early years, Delta delivered more than 600 commercial vessels, including the iconic Delta 58, a benchmark in the Alaskan fishing fleet. Today, Delta operates on 25 acres along the Duwamish River in Seattle, Washington, with more than 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space — a reflection of Jones’ enduring vision and commitment to the company.

Throughout his life, Jones remained committed to quality, integrity and family. He built more than boats. He built a legacy and a culture that continues to guide the company. Delta remains family-owned and operated, grounded in the values he championed from the beginning.

“Ivor led with heart, grit and a deep sense of responsibility to his craft, his team and his family,” says  Michelle Jones, VP of Delta Marine. “The culture he created at Delta is rooted in integrity, care and relentless dedication. We are committed to honoring that legacy in everything we do.”