Former Airbus Chief Chairs Vertical Aerospace Board
Former Airbus Chief Chairs Vertical Aerospace Board
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Before becoming Airbus Commercial Aircraft CEO, Fabrice Brégier served as Airbus’s chief operating officer from 2006 to 2012, where he led development of the A350 program and the company’s operational turnaround.
2
Earlier, Brégier was president and CEO of Eurocopter, now Airbus Helicopters, where he oversaw both the company’s civil and military businesses.
3
Brégier previously led Matra BAe Dynamics and MBDA, overseeing complex multinational defense programs and the integration of Europe’s leading missile businesses.
4
In addition to his new role at Vertical, Brégier is a nonexecutive director of Safran and ENGIE and serves as nonexecutive chair of SCOR.
Vertical Aerospace appointed Fabrice Brégier as board chair on September 21, 2026, tapping a three-decade aerospace veteran who previously led Airbus Commercial Aircraft. RotorHub International reports the move expands the board from eight to nine directors as the air taxi maker pushes to certify and commercialize its all-electric Valo aircraft.
Brégier steps into a leadership role at a critical moment. ADS Advance notes his appointment comes as Vertical develops hybrid-electric, autonomous and defense applications alongside its core electric aircraft program. Interim chair Ben Story remains on the board as a nonexecutive director.
A Career Spanning Airbus, Missiles and Helicopters
Brégier spent 16 years at Airbus in senior roles. RotorHub International highlights his time as chief operating officer from 2006 to 2012, where he led the A350 program and oversaw an operational turnaround. Before that, he ran Eurocopter — now Airbus Helicopters — managing both civil and military helicopter businesses across Europe.
His defense pedigree runs deep. Brégier previously headed Matra BAe Dynamics and MBDA, Freedom 96.9 reports, managing Europe's largest missile integration efforts. He also spent time at Palantir Technologies France, adding data and AI expertise to his aviation and defense background.
Timing Aligns With Valo Certification Push
Vertical Aerospace is racing toward regulatory approval for its Valo air taxi. Kalkine Media notes the appointment aligns with the company's growth strategy and commercialization efforts. The aircraft promises zero-emission urban mobility — a focus that matches Brégier's track record with advanced, complex engineering programs at multinational companies.
The company is also exploring hybrid-electric and autonomous variants, plus potential defense applications. ADS Advance says these initiatives require experienced leadership. Brégier's background juggling commercial and military projects at Airbus and MBDA positions him to guide these parallel development tracks.
Mudrick Capital Backs the Leadership Choice
The appointment was proposed by Mudrick Capital Management under its director appointment rights, Kalkine Media reports. The investment firm holds significant influence over Vertical's board composition. Brégier's extensive multinational experience aligns with Mudrick's vision for the company's next growth phase.
Outside Vertical, Brégier serves as nonexecutive chair of SCOR and nonexecutive director of Safran and ENGIE. These roles show his appeal to institutional investors. His appointment signals confidence that Vertical can clear regulatory hurdles and scale production of electric aircraft for the emerging air taxi market.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
17
Articles
115
Reach
132
A
AnonymousAuthor
