AAM company and Boeing subsidiary Wisk Aero has appointed Sebastien Vigneron as its new chief executive officer. Vigneron, who previously served as Wisk's senior vice president of engineering and programmes, will succeed Brian Yutko, who is transitioning to a leadership role within Boeing's Commercial Airplanes division (BCA).

Vigneron brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of Wisk's technology and strategic direction to his role as CEO. Previously at Wisk, he drove product development of the company's Generation 6 aircraft, including the autonomy and airspace integration technologies. He also oversaw the hardware and software engineering, simulation, systems test, flight test and programme management teams. His appointment comes at a significant time for Wisk, as the company prepares to fly its Gen 6 aircraft and progress on its certification path. His background and intimate knowledge of new aircraft development are key to accelerating Wisk's path towards commercialisation.

“Having been deeply involved in our journey over the last four years, I'm incredibly honoured to lead Wisk into this next chapter as we bring our Gen 6 aircraft to market,” says Sebastien Vigneron. “This is a truly exciting time for the company and AAM as a whole. I look forward to guiding our talented team through this critical stage and leveraging the enhanced collaboration with Boeing to bring safe, autonomous flight to everyday life.”

Brian Yutko will become vice president of product development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA). In this role, Brian will provide strategic oversight and support to Wisk.

“Leading Wisk as CEO and being a part of the incredible progress our team has made on our Gen 6 product has been a true privilege,” states Brian Yutko. “​​I'm honoured to join the storied product development team at Boeing at this important time in history and to connect the pioneering technologies and bold spirit of innovation we've cultivated at Wisk. Sebastien is an incredible leader, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the Wisk team as we fly Gen 6, progress our certification programme and enter service.”

Sebastien Vigneron brings over 20 years of experience in new aircraft development to his role as CEO. Before joining Wisk in 2021, he was vice president of product development engineering and chief engineer at Virgin Hyperloop where he led the development of the Hyperloop system, a new mode of transportation from requirements capture through design, build and test. He also held leadership and technical roles at Bombardier and Dassault Aviation, developing type-certified aircraft from initial concept through flight testing and certification.