Vertical Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace is taking transport in a new direction. One that defies gravity, and belief. One defined by sheer technological brilliance, innovation and human ingenuity. One that will elevate everyday journeys, for everyone. And all, extraordinarily, with zero operating emissions. The idea for Vertical was born from the frustration of being stuck in a two hour gridlock. Across the world, our cities are overcrowded, congested and polluted. Urban travel isn’t working. Not for people. Certainly not for the planet. So, we set out to design a new way to get around, and define the way forward. And the way forward, is up. Progressive. Meticulous. Dedicated. A world-class team of engineering ingenuity; doers, idealists and pragmatists. Together we’re working to realise the potential of electric aviation, from direct transport links to cleaner, quieter urban environments. Only by challenging what we know, and how things are done will we make the dream of all-electric air travel a reality. Before joining Vertical, Stuart was CFO of Avast plc, a FTSE 100. Before Avast, Stuart held roles of Interim CEO, CFO and COO at Royal Mail. Stuart has a long automotive history, working for General Motors, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Mark Higson is a seasoned executive with significant expertise in developing operational and commercial strategies, leading complex, global organisations through transformational change. He has over four decades of experience across international businesses, most recently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Modulaire Group, a global leader in modular services and infrastructure, where he successfully led the sale and refinancing of the business. Originally an Aerospace Engineer, Mark started his career at British Aerospace subsequently serving in senior operational leadership roles across the industrials sector, including at Wolseley UK and the Royal Mail, and as a senior advisor to McKinsey & Company and to Advent International’s portfolio companies. Michael was Head of Future Business Technologies at Rolls-Royce where he built over 20 years of civil and military aerospace experience, before joining Vertical in 2019. Prior to joining Vertical, Sanjay was General Counsel at OVO. Before OVO, Sanjay was Legal Director at Fortune 500 company Cognizant, and prior to that a technology lawyer at Pinsent Masons. Trevor Woods is an experienced aviation professional currently serving as the Director of Regulatory Affairs at Vertical Aerospace since April 2022. As a consultant at Trevor Woods Ltd since March 2019, services provided focus on aviation and safety management. Previously, Trevor held significant roles at the European Aviation Safety Agency from January 2012 to January 2019, including Certification Director and Flight Standards Director. Prior experience also includes Chief Operating Officer at Air Safety Support International Limited, where responsibilities encompassed air safety regulation and support for UK Overseas Territories. Throughout a long tenure at the Civil Aviation Authority from October 1986 to November 2007, Trevor was involved in various leadership positions, including Head of Strategy, Policy and Standards, and Head of UK Aeroplanes and Rotorcraft Certification. Early career experience includes work as a Senior Future Projects Engineer at British Aerospace Military Division. Trevor holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Kingston University. Prior to joining Vertical, David spent seven years as Leonardo’s Chief Engineer on the AW609 VTOL aircraft, set to the world’s first commercial tilt rotor. Before Leonardo, David was Chief Engineer at Bell Aircraft. Martyn Ashford is Programme Director at Vertical Aerospace, having joined as Head of Aircraft Programmes – Development in June 2024. Martyn has extensive experience in Civil and Military programmes across both crewed and uncrewed domains. Prior to Vertical Aerospace, Martyn spent o