Australia's green aviation company AMSL Aero has appointed globally experienced commercial executive, military veteran and board director Max York as chief executive officer and managing director. He will lead the company in partnership with co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon as it prepares to bring its zero-emissions aircraft Vertiia to local and international markets.

York, formerly CEO of GE Australia, led GE Aviation commercial activities in Asia Pacific for 15 years and was a Commander in the Royal Australian Navy. His appointment further enhances AMSL Aero's pre-eminent engineering experience and amplifies its global commercial and leadership strength as it prepares to raise further funds in 2024.

AMSL Aero was started in 2017 by Moore, an aeronautical engineer with more than 20 years' experience in the aircraft industry, and Lyndon, who has over 20 years' experience in the technology, telecommunications and professional services sectors. The husband-and-wife team have since grown the company to over 50 employees and raised more than A$50 million from private and government sources. As a result of York's appointment, Moore moves from CEO to the newly created role of chief engineering officer and Lyndon will continue as chief operating officer.

Moore and Lyndon say: "We are thrilled to have Max on board for the next phase of our mission to decarbonise aviation. Max has a strong track record as an aviation executive, engineer and principled business leader. Together, we will bring our hydrogen-powered aircraft Vertiia to vital markets including air ambulance, emergency services, passenger and cargo transport, saving lives and better meeting the needs of people living in regional and remote areas. We are thrilled that he has chosen to join us for this next growth phase."

York adds: "AMSL Aero is a leading eVTOL company and its Vertiia product has the longest range of any aircraft of its type in the world. Andrew and Siobhan are inspiring founders who, together with an incredible team, have done a stellar job to build a prototype that has successfully flown recently. I am honoured to be joining this team to help fulfil its potential as we continue flight testing, certification and manufacturing activities."

AMSL chair Chris Smallhorn comments: "Max brings his deep and seasoned executive and commercial experience to AMSL. He is a proven international aviation executive and senior leader who possesses the passion and acumen to match the energy and vision of our co-founders. Vertiia is borne of Andrew's genius which, coupled with his and Siobhan's exceptional capacity, commercial acumen and courage, has taken AMSL to the remarkable place it is today. Max, Andrew and Siobhan form a formidable team that will take the company towards tomorrow, where Vertiia will provide zero emission, affordable and long-range point-to-point aviation to Australia and the world."

York is currently advisory board member for Australian heavy engineering and manufacturing company Baker & Provan, serving defence and key industries including hydro, rail transport and mining, and a Dean's Industry Advisory Board member of the University of Technology Sydney Business School. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has degrees in electronics engineering from the University of New South Wales and a graduate diploma in management from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is a former member of the Business Council of Australia, former governor of the Australian American Chamber of Commerce, and founding former member of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council.