Functional Leadership Team
Robert Geckle
Robert A. Geckle, Jr. is Chief Executive Officer for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. In this capacity, he oversees the operations, activities and strategy of all Airbus US companies in the United States. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Airbus US provides the US Government Customer with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, space systems, defense electronics and avionics, and threat detection systems. He previously served as SVP, Head of Airbus S.A.S Legal Affairs – Industry & Services, Europe, China and North America. In that capacity, he led a global team of lawyers and compliance professionals supporting Airbus’ industrial operations, including the Space and Defense activities in the United States. He previously served as VP and General Counsel of Airbus Group, Inc. supporting Airbus’ commercial aviation, rotorcraft and defense and space activities in the United States. Rob received his B.A. cum laude from Middlebury College and JD cum laude from Boston College Law School.
Ignacio Ladegui
Ignacio Ladegui joined AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer in August 2019. Ignacio manages the financial decision making processes and provides day-to-day oversight of efforts to meet the company’s financial targets. In overseeing the accounting processes and financial controls and implementing financial procedures, he aims to maximize Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s financial performance and sustainably enhance corporate growth. Ignacio has been with Airbus over 14 years and has worked in a number of Divisions and functions across the globe including Defense & Space Europe where he worked on Military Aircraft Pricing, spearheading the business case for the KC45 program. He subsequently relocated to Toulouse, France where he acted as Pricing Director for the A400M program and eventually joined the Investor Relations team as a Senior Financial Analyst. Ignacio moved to Grand Prairie, TX in 2015 where he served as Head of Business Controlling for Airbus Helicopters, Inc. Before joining Airbus Ignacio worked in the banking sector in New York City. Ignacio holds an MBA from Lakeland University and a BS in Business Management from the University of Valladolid. He recently relocated to Virginia with his wife and three children.
Cara Sindir
Cara Sindir, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., oversees daily operations, as well as creation and implementation of the company strategy. She previously served as Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy. Cara joined Airbus U.S in October 2019 after a decade with Airbus Defence & Space where she served as Chief of Staff and led teams in global strategy and marketing. Previously, Cara worked as an attorney and government relations specialist in Washington, DC. She holds a J.D. and master’s degree in international development from the University of Denver, and a B.S. from Duquesne University.
Gloria Sutton
Gloria Sutton is Chief Security and Facilities Management Officer for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Gloria joined Airbus in March 2005 as the Assistant FSO after serving as the Junior Help Desk Engineer and Office Manager for Access Research Corporation. Gloria is responsible for Airbus U.S.’s industrial, information, physical, and personnel security and facilities management programs, including risk management, operations, policy, planning, staff education and communication, safety, disaster preparedness, maintenance of Airbus U.S. facilities and properties, and budget and resource management planning. Gloria is a graduate from Georgia College & State University with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Alex Veneziano
Alex Veneziano is the Chief Administrative Officer for Airbus US Space and Defense, Inc. Alex provides leadership and management for the Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Information Security and Human Resources departments. He joined the company in September 2020 as Head of Business Operations and HR. He previously served as legal counsel at Airbus Americas, Inc., supporting Airbus’ commercial aviation business in the US. Alex received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and holds a J.D. and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University.
Armen Askijian
Armen Askijian is the Head of Engineering at Airbus U.S. Previously, Armen led satellite programs and design teams at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Google, and OneWeb. Armen was one of the primary designers for the Airbus OneWeb Gen1 satellite and its underlying modular platform (Arrow). He also led the design team for the OneWeb Generation 2 satellite constellation. At Airbus U.S., he focuses on design solutions for commercial and U.S. Government customers. Armen received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and Master’s of Science in Engineering Management from University of Santa Clara.
Functional Leadership Team
Robert Geckle
Robert A. Geckle, Jr. is Chief Executive Officer for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. In this capacity, he oversees the operations, activities and strategy of all Airbus US companies in the United States. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Airbus US provides the US Government Customer with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, space systems, defense electronics and avionics, and threat detection systems. He previously served as SVP, Head of Airbus S.A.S Legal Affairs – Industry & Services, Europe, China and North America. In that capacity, he led a global team of lawyers and compliance professionals supporting Airbus’ industrial operations, including the Space and Defense activities in the United States. He previously served as VP and General Counsel of Airbus Group, Inc. supporting Airbus’ commercial aviation, rotorcraft and defense and space activities in the United States. Rob received his B.A. cum laude from Middlebury College and JD cum laude from Boston College Law School.
Ignacio Ladegui
Ignacio Ladegui joined AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer in August 2019. Ignacio manages the financial decision making processes and provides day-to-day oversight of efforts to meet the company’s financial targets. In overseeing the accounting processes and financial controls and implementing financial procedures, he aims to maximize Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s financial performance and sustainably enhance corporate growth. Ignacio has been with Airbus over 14 years and has worked in a number of Divisions and functions across the globe including Defense & Space Europe where he worked on Military Aircraft Pricing, spearheading the business case for the KC45 program. He subsequently relocated to Toulouse, France where he acted as Pricing Director for the A400M program and eventually joined the Investor Relations team as a Senior Financial Analyst. Ignacio moved to Grand Prairie, TX in 2015 where he served as Head of Business Controlling for Airbus Helicopters, Inc. Before joining Airbus Ignacio worked in the banking sector in New York City. Ignacio holds an MBA from Lakeland University and a BS in Business Management from the University of Valladolid. He recently relocated to Virginia with his wife and three children.
Cara Sindir
Cara Sindir, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., oversees daily operations, as well as creation and implementation of the company strategy. She previously served as Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy. Cara joined Airbus U.S in October 2019 after a decade with Airbus Defence & Space where she served as Chief of Staff and led teams in global strategy and marketing. Previously, Cara worked as an attorney and government relations specialist in Washington, DC. She holds a J.D. and master’s degree in international development from the University of Denver, and a B.S. from Duquesne University.
Gloria Sutton
Gloria Sutton is Chief Security and Facilities Management Officer for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Gloria joined Airbus in March 2005 as the Assistant FSO after serving as the Junior Help Desk Engineer and Office Manager for Access Research Corporation. Gloria is responsible for Airbus U.S.’s industrial, information, physical, and personnel security and facilities management programs, including risk management, operations, policy, planning, staff education and communication, safety, disaster preparedness, maintenance of Airbus U.S. facilities and properties, and budget and resource management planning. Gloria is a graduate from Georgia College & State University with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Alex Veneziano
Alex Veneziano is the Chief Administrative Officer for Airbus US Space and Defense, Inc. Alex provides leadership and management for the Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Information Security and Human Resources departments. He joined the company in September 2020 as Head of Business Operations and HR. He previously served as legal counsel at Airbus Americas, Inc., supporting Airbus’ commercial aviation business in the US. Alex received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and holds a J.D. and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University.
Armen Askijian
Armen Askijian is the Head of Engineering at Airbus U.S. Previously, Armen led satellite programs and design teams at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Google, and OneWeb. Armen was one of the primary designers for the Airbus OneWeb Gen1 satellite and its underlying modular platform (Arrow). He also led the design team for the OneWeb Generation 2 satellite constellation. At Airbus U.S., he focuses on design solutions for commercial and U.S. Government customers. Armen received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and Master’s of Science in Engineering Management from University of Santa Clara.
Functional Leadership Team
Robert Geckle
Robert A. Geckle, Jr. is Chief Executive Officer for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. In this capacity, he oversees the operations, activities and strategy of all Airbus US companies in the United States. Based in Arlington, Virginia, Airbus US provides the US Government Customer with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, homeland security systems, public safety communications, space systems, defense electronics and avionics, and threat detection systems. He previously served as SVP, Head of Airbus S.A.S Legal Affairs – Industry & Services, Europe, China and North America. In that capacity, he led a global team of lawyers and compliance professionals supporting Airbus’ industrial operations, including the Space and Defense activities in the United States. He previously served as VP and General Counsel of Airbus Group, Inc. supporting Airbus’ commercial aviation, rotorcraft and defense and space activities in the United States. Rob received his B.A. cum laude from Middlebury College and JD cum laude from Boston College Law School.
Ignacio Ladegui
Ignacio Ladegui joined AIRBUS U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. as Chief Financial Officer in August 2019. Ignacio manages the financial decision making processes and provides day-to-day oversight of efforts to meet the company’s financial targets. In overseeing the accounting processes and financial controls and implementing financial procedures, he aims to maximize Airbus U.S. Space & Defense’s financial performance and sustainably enhance corporate growth. Ignacio has been with Airbus over 14 years and has worked in a number of Divisions and functions across the globe including Defense & Space Europe where he worked on Military Aircraft Pricing, spearheading the business case for the KC45 program. He subsequently relocated to Toulouse, France where he acted as Pricing Director for the A400M program and eventually joined the Investor Relations team as a Senior Financial Analyst. Ignacio moved to Grand Prairie, TX in 2015 where he served as Head of Business Controlling for Airbus Helicopters, Inc. Before joining Airbus Ignacio worked in the banking sector in New York City. Ignacio holds an MBA from Lakeland University and a BS in Business Management from the University of Valladolid. He recently relocated to Virginia with his wife and three children.
Cara Sindir
Cara Sindir, Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc., oversees daily operations, as well as creation and implementation of the company strategy. She previously served as Chief of Staff and Head of Strategy. Cara joined Airbus U.S in October 2019 after a decade with Airbus Defence & Space where she served as Chief of Staff and led teams in global strategy and marketing. Previously, Cara worked as an attorney and government relations specialist in Washington, DC. She holds a J.D. and master’s degree in international development from the University of Denver, and a B.S. from Duquesne University.
Gloria Sutton
Gloria Sutton is Chief Security and Facilities Management Officer for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Gloria joined Airbus in March 2005 as the Assistant FSO after serving as the Junior Help Desk Engineer and Office Manager for Access Research Corporation. Gloria is responsible for Airbus U.S.’s industrial, information, physical, and personnel security and facilities management programs, including risk management, operations, policy, planning, staff education and communication, safety, disaster preparedness, maintenance of Airbus U.S. facilities and properties, and budget and resource management planning. Gloria is a graduate from Georgia College & State University with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Alex Veneziano
Alex Veneziano is the Chief Administrative Officer for Airbus US Space and Defense, Inc. Alex provides leadership and management for the Legal, Ethics and Compliance, Information Security and Human Resources departments. He joined the company in September 2020 as Head of Business Operations and HR. He previously served as legal counsel at Airbus Americas, Inc., supporting Airbus’ commercial aviation business in the US. Alex received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and holds a J.D. and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University.
Armen Askijian
Armen Askijian is the Head of Engineering at Airbus U.S. Previously, Armen led satellite programs and design teams at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Google, and OneWeb. Armen was one of the primary designers for the Airbus OneWeb Gen1 satellite and its underlying modular platform (Arrow). He also led the design team for the OneWeb Generation 2 satellite constellation. At Airbus U.S., he focuses on design solutions for commercial and U.S. Government customers. Armen received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and Master’s of Science in Engineering Management from University of Santa Clara.
Airbus U.S. Board of Directors
Christopher Emerson
Chris Emerson serves as Chairman of the Board for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Emerson oversees the strategic objectives and general operations for the U.S. based space, intelligence and defense company and all of its business lines. Chris leads his team in delivering an intensely customer focused approach, aiming to bring the best tailored products and capabilities to the US Defense and National Security markets. Previously based in Grand Prairie, TX, he was President of Airbus Helicopters (AHI) from 2015 to 2019 after successful tenures as CFO, Head of Marketing, and Head of Airbus Future Programs and Product Strategy where he played a key role in establishing Airbus’ A320 final assembly line in Mobile, AL. Chris holds a degree in International Finance from the University of Alabama where he currently serves in the President's Cabinet.
Letitia Long
Letitia Long is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director. Ms. Long also sits on the boards of Parsons, Noblis, and HyperSat. She is on the Board of Visitors of Virginia Tech (Vice Rector), is the Chairman of the Board of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and is on the board of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. Ms. Long served as the fifth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and was the first woman to lead a major US intelligence agency.
The Honorable Franklin C. Miller
Frank Miller is an Airbus Outside Director and a member of the GSC. He served 31 years in the US Government and was a senior policy official for over two decades in the Pentagon and on the NSC Staff. He serves on several US Government Advisory Boards and is a member of the Board of Managers of Sandia National Laboratory. In addition to receiving multiple high-level US Government awards he has received the French Legion of Honor, Norway’s Royal Order of Merit, Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, and an honorary knighthood from the United Kingdom.
William L. Shelton General, United States Air Force (retired)
William “Willie” Shelton is an independent consultant serving on corporate boards for PredaSAR, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. and Voyager Space Holdings. He is also Chairman of the Colorado Thirty Group. General Shelton retired as Commander, Air Force Space Command, in September 2014. During his career he commanded space operations units at every level and held staff positions in a wide range of USAF and DOD organizations. He commanded all Department of Defense space operations during internationally significant events and while leading Air Force Space Command, he drove the development of new satellite architectural concepts to address growing space threats and significant fiscal challenges. General Shelton earned a BS in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, an MS in astronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1980, and an MS in national security studies from the National War College in 1995.
Mark Sirangelo
Mark Sirangelo is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director and is the Scholar in Residence at the University of Colorado and CEO of QS Advisors. He currently serves on the DoD's Defense Innovation Board providing independent advice to the Secretary of Defense. He was also a Special Assistant to the NASA Administrator where he helped to develop the U.S.'s return to the Moon (Artemis). Prior to 2019, he was the Executive VP and Head of Space Systems at Sierra Nevada Corp.
Rear Admiral, USN (retired) Kevin Sweeney
Rear Admiral, USN (retired) Kevin Sweeney is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company and The Roosevelt Group. He is also an Independent Board Member for Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation and U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics. He served as Chief of Staff to the 26th Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis from January 2017 to January 2019. In this role, he was the primary advisor to the Secretary across the full spectrum of national security issues, from the reemergence of great power competition to ongoing counterterrorism missions, while overseeing the Department of Defense’s strategic initiatives and daily operations around the world.
Michael Schoellhorn
Michael Schoellhorn is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence and Space. He is also a member of the company’s Executive Committee. He is responsible for the division’s performance across a range of ground-to-air products an solutions. These products and solutions safeguard the sovereignty of nations, connect people across the globe, and protect the digital space. The space technology is helping to solve some of the biggest challenges on Earth and also support scientific missions into space.
Bruno Even
Bruno Even is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus Helicopters and member of the Airbus Executive Committee as of April 1, 2018. He joined the company from Safran, where held various management positions at Helicopter Engines and Electronic & Defence businesses. Since 2015, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines (ex-Turbomeca). Prior to that position, he was CEO of Safran Electronics & Defence (ex-Sagem).
Jeff Knittel
C. Jeffrey (Jeff) Knittel is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is the Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, Inc. In addition, he is the Head of Region for the Americas and as such reports directly to the Group CEO. He is responsible for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business throughout the Americas, as well as for providing leadership for the company’s market leading helicopter business and its space and defense unit in North America.
Jean-Marc Nasr
Jean-Marc Nasr is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is Head of Space Systems within Airbus Defence and Space, President of Airbus Defence and Space SAS appointed 1st June 2019. Since January 2019, he had been Head of Asia Pacific Region for Airbus and Airbus Defence and Space, based in Singapore. From 2014 to 2018, he acted as Executive Vice President in Airbus Defence and Space, and headed France, UK, Middle East and Africa regional activities.
Airbus U.S. Board of Directors
Christopher Emerson
Chris Emerson serves as Chairman of the Board for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Emerson oversees the strategic objectives and general operations for the U.S. based space, intelligence and defense company and all of its business lines. Chris leads his team in delivering an intensely customer focused approach, aiming to bring the best tailored products and capabilities to the US Defense and National Security markets. Previously based in Grand Prairie, TX, he was President of Airbus Helicopters (AHI) from 2015 to 2019 after successful tenures as CFO, Head of Marketing, and Head of Airbus Future Programs and Product Strategy where he played a key role in establishing Airbus’ A320 final assembly line in Mobile, AL. Chris holds a degree in International Finance from the University of Alabama where he currently serves in the President's Cabinet.
Letitia Long
Letitia Long is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director. Ms. Long also sits on the boards of Parsons, Noblis, and HyperSat. She is on the Board of Visitors of Virginia Tech (Vice Rector), is the Chairman of the Board of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and is on the board of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. Ms. Long served as the fifth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and was the first woman to lead a major US intelligence agency.
The Honorable Franklin C. Miller
Frank Miller is an Airbus Outside Director and a member of the GSC. He served 31 years in the US Government and was a senior policy official for over two decades in the Pentagon and on the NSC Staff. He serves on several US Government Advisory Boards and is a member of the Board of Managers of Sandia National Laboratory. In addition to receiving multiple high-level US Government awards he has received the French Legion of Honor, Norway’s Royal Order of Merit, Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, and an honorary knighthood from the United Kingdom.
William L. Shelton General, United States Air Force (retired)
William “Willie” Shelton is an independent consultant serving on corporate boards for PredaSAR, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. and Voyager Space Holdings. He is also Chairman of the Colorado Thirty Group. General Shelton retired as Commander, Air Force Space Command, in September 2014. During his career he commanded space operations units at every level and held staff positions in a wide range of USAF and DOD organizations. He commanded all Department of Defense space operations during internationally significant events and while leading Air Force Space Command, he drove the development of new satellite architectural concepts to address growing space threats and significant fiscal challenges. General Shelton earned a BS in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, an MS in astronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1980, and an MS in national security studies from the National War College in 1995.
Mark Sirangelo
Mark Sirangelo is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director and is the Scholar in Residence at the University of Colorado and CEO of QS Advisors. He currently serves on the DoD's Defense Innovation Board providing independent advice to the Secretary of Defense. He was also a Special Assistant to the NASA Administrator where he helped to develop the U.S.'s return to the Moon (Artemis). Prior to 2019, he was the Executive VP and Head of Space Systems at Sierra Nevada Corp.
Rear Admiral, USN (retired) Kevin Sweeney
Rear Admiral, USN (retired) Kevin Sweeney is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company and The Roosevelt Group. He is also an Independent Board Member for Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation and U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics. He served as Chief of Staff to the 26th Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis from January 2017 to January 2019. In this role, he was the primary advisor to the Secretary across the full spectrum of national security issues, from the reemergence of great power competition to ongoing counterterrorism missions, while overseeing the Department of Defense’s strategic initiatives and daily operations around the world.
Michael Schoellhorn
Michael Schoellhorn is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence and Space. He is also a member of the company’s Executive Committee. He is responsible for the division’s performance across a range of ground-to-air products an solutions. These products and solutions safeguard the sovereignty of nations, connect people across the globe, and protect the digital space. The space technology is helping to solve some of the biggest challenges on Earth and also support scientific missions into space.
Bruno Even
Bruno Even is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus Helicopters and member of the Airbus Executive Committee as of April 1, 2018. He joined the company from Safran, where held various management positions at Helicopter Engines and Electronic & Defence businesses. Since 2015, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines (ex-Turbomeca). Prior to that position, he was CEO of Safran Electronics & Defence (ex-Sagem).
Jeff Knittel
C. Jeffrey (Jeff) Knittel is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is the Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, Inc. In addition, he is the Head of Region for the Americas and as such reports directly to the Group CEO. He is responsible for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business throughout the Americas, as well as for providing leadership for the company’s market leading helicopter business and its space and defense unit in North America.
Jean-Marc Nasr
Jean-Marc Nasr is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is Head of Space Systems within Airbus Defence and Space, President of Airbus Defence and Space SAS appointed 1st June 2019. Since January 2019, he had been Head of Asia Pacific Region for Airbus and Airbus Defence and Space, based in Singapore. From 2014 to 2018, he acted as Executive Vice President in Airbus Defence and Space, and headed France, UK, Middle East and Africa regional activities.
Airbus U.S. Board of Directors
Christopher Emerson
Chris Emerson serves as Chairman of the Board for Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Emerson oversees the strategic objectives and general operations for the U.S. based space, intelligence and defense company and all of its business lines. Chris leads his team in delivering an intensely customer focused approach, aiming to bring the best tailored products and capabilities to the US Defense and National Security markets. Previously based in Grand Prairie, TX, he was President of Airbus Helicopters (AHI) from 2015 to 2019 after successful tenures as CFO, Head of Marketing, and Head of Airbus Future Programs and Product Strategy where he played a key role in establishing Airbus’ A320 final assembly line in Mobile, AL. Chris holds a degree in International Finance from the University of Alabama where he currently serves in the President's Cabinet.
Letitia Long
Letitia Long is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director. Ms. Long also sits on the boards of Parsons, Noblis, and HyperSat. She is on the Board of Visitors of Virginia Tech (Vice Rector), is the Chairman of the Board of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance and is on the board of the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. Ms. Long served as the fifth Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and was the first woman to lead a major US intelligence agency.
The Honorable Franklin C. Miller
Frank Miller is an Airbus Outside Director and a member of the GSC. He served 31 years in the US Government and was a senior policy official for over two decades in the Pentagon and on the NSC Staff. He serves on several US Government Advisory Boards and is a member of the Board of Managers of Sandia National Laboratory. In addition to receiving multiple high-level US Government awards he has received the French Legion of Honor, Norway’s Royal Order of Merit, Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, and an honorary knighthood from the United Kingdom.
William L. Shelton General, United States Air Force (retired)
William “Willie” Shelton is an independent consultant serving on corporate boards for PredaSAR, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. and Voyager Space Holdings. He is also Chairman of the Colorado Thirty Group. General Shelton retired as Commander, Air Force Space Command, in September 2014. During his career he commanded space operations units at every level and held staff positions in a wide range of USAF and DOD organizations. He commanded all Department of Defense space operations during internationally significant events and while leading Air Force Space Command, he drove the development of new satellite architectural concepts to address growing space threats and significant fiscal challenges. General Shelton earned a BS in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, an MS in astronautical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1980, and an MS in national security studies from the National War College in 1995.
Mark Sirangelo
Mark Sirangelo is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director and is the Scholar in Residence at the University of Colorado and CEO of QS Advisors. He currently serves on the DoD's Defense Innovation Board providing independent advice to the Secretary of Defense. He was also a Special Assistant to the NASA Administrator where he helped to develop the U.S.'s return to the Moon (Artemis). Prior to 2019, he was the Executive VP and Head of Space Systems at Sierra Nevada Corp.
Rear Admiral, USN (retired) Kevin Sweeney
Rear Admiral, USN (retired) Kevin Sweeney is an Airbus U.S. Outside Director. He currently serves as a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company and The Roosevelt Group. He is also an Independent Board Member for Fincantieri Marinette Marine Corporation and U.S. Partnership for Assured Electronics. He served as Chief of Staff to the 26th Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis from January 2017 to January 2019. In this role, he was the primary advisor to the Secretary across the full spectrum of national security issues, from the reemergence of great power competition to ongoing counterterrorism missions, while overseeing the Department of Defense’s strategic initiatives and daily operations around the world.
Michael Schoellhorn
Michael Schoellhorn is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Defence and Space. He is also a member of the company’s Executive Committee. He is responsible for the division’s performance across a range of ground-to-air products an solutions. These products and solutions safeguard the sovereignty of nations, connect people across the globe, and protect the digital space. The space technology is helping to solve some of the biggest challenges on Earth and also support scientific missions into space.
Bruno Even
Bruno Even is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus Helicopters and member of the Airbus Executive Committee as of April 1, 2018. He joined the company from Safran, where held various management positions at Helicopter Engines and Electronic & Defence businesses. Since 2015, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Safran Helicopter Engines (ex-Turbomeca). Prior to that position, he was CEO of Safran Electronics & Defence (ex-Sagem).
Jeff Knittel
C. Jeffrey (Jeff) Knittel is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is the Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas, Inc. In addition, he is the Head of Region for the Americas and as such reports directly to the Group CEO. He is responsible for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business throughout the Americas, as well as for providing leadership for the company’s market leading helicopter business and its space and defense unit in North America.
Jean-Marc Nasr
Jean-Marc Nasr is an Airbus U.S. Inside Director and is Head of Space Systems within Airbus Defence and Space, President of Airbus Defence and Space SAS appointed 1st June 2019. Since January 2019, he had been Head of Asia Pacific Region for Airbus and Airbus Defence and Space, based in Singapore. From 2014 to 2018, he acted as Executive Vice President in Airbus Defence and Space, and headed France, UK, Middle East and Africa regional activities.
Business Line Leaders
Debra Facktor
Debra Facktor is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Space Systems, which includes managing the National Security Space and Space Exploration line of business in the U.S. She is a member of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites board. Prior to joining Airbus U.S., Debra was Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Operations for Ball Aerospace, leading the company’s Washington DC operations, strategic development, and marketing and communications. Debra is actively engaged as an advisor and mentor in the aerospace community, and is a fellow of AIAA, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). Debra received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and is an alumna of the International Space University summer session program in Strasbourg, France.
Scott Tumpak
Scott Tumpak is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Military Helicopters line of business in the U.S., which includes managing the company’s military rotorcraft operation in the U.S. Scott began his work in the Airbus Helicopters division as a program manager in Donauwoerth, Germany in 2012. Previous to joining Airbus U.S., Scott was Senior Director for the UH-72A Lakota program, based in Grand Prairie, TX where he was responsible for managing the production, modification and support activities for the Lakota contract with the U.S. Army. Scott started his career leading the market analysis function at Avascent, a defense and aerospace consulting firm, before joining Airbus in 2005. Scott holds a BA in Political Science from Occidental College, an MA in International Economics from Johns Hopkins University and holds a fellowship from the University of Syracuse’s Maxwell School in National Security Studies.
Jose Antonio de la Fuente
Jose Antonio de la Fuente is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Military Aircraft Line of Business in the U.S., which includes the sales of military aircraft to the U.S. Federal Government and the program execution in the United States. Prior to that, in 2009 he worked for Airbus Military North America leading the sales and business operations of transport and military aircraft in the United States. He also held different positions in Airbus Military marketing in Spain and worked one year in certification in France. Mr. de la Fuente earned his master’s degree in Aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree with honors from George Washington University, Washington D.C.
Didier Cormary
Didier Cormary is responsible for leading the capture and execution of Airbus U.S. Connected Intelligence and UAS Line of Business, and is also leading Sales for Airbus U.S. From 2017 to June 2020, Didier served as Vice President and Head of Dynamic Components for Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France where he was responsible for dynamic component procurement for all of Airbus Helicopters. Prior to 2017 he was Vice President and Head of Programs for Helibras, Airbus Helicopters Brazilian subsidiary. Previously, Didier served from 2006 to 2011 as the Light Utility Helicopter Program Director in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Business Line Leaders
Debra Facktor
Debra Facktor is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Space Systems, which includes managing the National Security Space and Space Exploration line of business in the U.S. She is a member of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites board. Prior to joining Airbus U.S., Debra was Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Operations for Ball Aerospace, leading the company’s Washington DC operations, strategic development, and marketing and communications. Debra is actively engaged as an advisor and mentor in the aerospace community, and is a fellow of AIAA, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). Debra received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and is an alumna of the International Space University summer session program in Strasbourg, France.
Scott Tumpak
Scott Tumpak is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Military Helicopters line of business in the U.S., which includes managing the company’s military rotorcraft operation in the U.S. Scott began his work in the Airbus Helicopters division as a program manager in Donauwoerth, Germany in 2012. Previous to joining Airbus U.S., Scott was Senior Director for the UH-72A Lakota program, based in Grand Prairie, TX where he was responsible for managing the production, modification and support activities for the Lakota contract with the U.S. Army. Scott started his career leading the market analysis function at Avascent, a defense and aerospace consulting firm, before joining Airbus in 2005. Scott holds a BA in Political Science from Occidental College, an MA in International Economics from Johns Hopkins University and holds a fellowship from the University of Syracuse’s Maxwell School in National Security Studies.
Jose Antonio de la Fuente
Jose Antonio de la Fuente is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Military Aircraft Line of Business in the U.S., which includes the sales of military aircraft to the U.S. Federal Government and the program execution in the United States. Prior to that, in 2009 he worked for Airbus Military North America leading the sales and business operations of transport and military aircraft in the United States. He also held different positions in Airbus Military marketing in Spain and worked one year in certification in France. Mr. de la Fuente earned his master’s degree in Aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree with honors from George Washington University, Washington D.C.
Didier Cormary
Didier Cormary is responsible for leading the capture and execution of Airbus U.S. Connected Intelligence and UAS Line of Business, and is also leading Sales for Airbus U.S. From 2017 to June 2020, Didier served as Vice President and Head of Dynamic Components for Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France where he was responsible for dynamic component procurement for all of Airbus Helicopters. Prior to 2017 he was Vice President and Head of Programs for Helibras, Airbus Helicopters Brazilian subsidiary. Previously, Didier served from 2006 to 2011 as the Light Utility Helicopter Program Director in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Business Line Leaders
Debra Facktor
Debra Facktor is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Space Systems, which includes managing the National Security Space and Space Exploration line of business in the U.S. She is a member of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites board. Prior to joining Airbus U.S., Debra was Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Operations for Ball Aerospace, leading the company’s Washington DC operations, strategic development, and marketing and communications. Debra is actively engaged as an advisor and mentor in the aerospace community, and is a fellow of AIAA, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). Debra received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and is an alumna of the International Space University summer session program in Strasbourg, France.
Scott Tumpak
Scott Tumpak is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Military Helicopters line of business in the U.S., which includes managing the company’s military rotorcraft operation in the U.S. Scott began his work in the Airbus Helicopters division as a program manager in Donauwoerth, Germany in 2012. Previous to joining Airbus U.S., Scott was Senior Director for the UH-72A Lakota program, based in Grand Prairie, TX where he was responsible for managing the production, modification and support activities for the Lakota contract with the U.S. Army. Scott started his career leading the market analysis function at Avascent, a defense and aerospace consulting firm, before joining Airbus in 2005. Scott holds a BA in Political Science from Occidental College, an MA in International Economics from Johns Hopkins University and holds a fellowship from the University of Syracuse’s Maxwell School in National Security Studies.
Jose Antonio de la Fuente
Jose Antonio de la Fuente is responsible for leading Airbus U.S.’s Military Aircraft Line of Business in the U.S., which includes the sales of military aircraft to the U.S. Federal Government and the program execution in the United States. Prior to that, in 2009 he worked for Airbus Military North America leading the sales and business operations of transport and military aircraft in the United States. He also held different positions in Airbus Military marketing in Spain and worked one year in certification in France. Mr. de la Fuente earned his master’s degree in Aerospace engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree with honors from George Washington University, Washington D.C.
Didier Cormary
Didier Cormary is responsible for leading the capture and execution of Airbus U.S. Connected Intelligence and UAS Line of Business, and is also leading Sales for Airbus U.S. From 2017 to June 2020, Didier served as Vice President and Head of Dynamic Components for Airbus Helicopters in Marignane, France where he was responsible for dynamic component procurement for all of Airbus Helicopters. Prior to 2017 he was Vice President and Head of Programs for Helibras, Airbus Helicopters Brazilian subsidiary. Previously, Didier served from 2006 to 2011 as the Light Utility Helicopter Program Director in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Business Development Team
Charlie Coolidge
Charles H. Coolidge, Jr. (U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen., retired) is Vice President of U.S. Air and Space Forces at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Since joining Airbus in 2004, he has been responsible for Air and Space Force business development activities in the U.S. Coolidge had an extensive and distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, holding multiple military honors he retired after 36 years of service. Prior to joining Airbus, Coolidge served as Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio from 2000 - 2003. Coolidge commanded three U.S. Air Force wings, served on the staffs of four major air commands, and served on the Joint Staff. Coolidge is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned a Master’s degree in Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
David Germroth
David Germroth is Vice President of Defense and Intelligence Community Relations at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Since joining Airbus in 2017, he has successfully executed several large-scale international defense and geospatial programs including TREx Project, Project Beech, and Project Cedar and has facilitated Government-to-Government agreements answering critical national security needs. Prior to his work for Airbus, he provided consulting services in international business development and government relations. A graduate of Temple University, he has amassed expertise in the areas of defense, national security and international trade policy. He served as a liaison representing a number of national security and trade organizations in Europe and Asia, as well as before Congress, the White House, Departments of State and a variety of defense and intelligence organizations. Mr. Germroth also served in the USAF as a War Readiness Material (WRM) specialist and a German linguist.
Brian Zarchin
Brian Zarchin is the Vice President of U.S. Army Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. Brian joined Airbus in January 2020 after serving as the U.S. Army Business Development Executive at Boeing Subsidiary, Insitu. Brian supports Airbus’ valued customers today by leveraging over 28 years of serving our Nation and our Warfighters as a U.S. Army Aviator and leader at tactical, operational and strategic levels within the Department of Defense, and as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry leader. Brian is a graduate of James Madison University, earned his master’s degree at the Marine Corps University and completed Harvard University’s Essential Management Skills for Emerging Business Leaders Course.
Aubert Kimbrell
Aubert Kimbrell is Vice President of Government Relations for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. He serves as an advisor on corporate political strategy, acts as a liaison to federal and state government officials, and works to secure federally appropriated funding for corporate activities. Kimbrell primarily supports corporate program initiatives within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Before joining Airbus, Kimbrell served on the staff of U.S. Representative (now U.S. Senator) Roger Wicker, working primarily on defense issues, and later rising to the role of Legislative Director. Kimbrell was born in Meridian, Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University.
Christopher Demi
Christopher Demi is the VP, U.S. Maritime Services and National Systems, where he is responsible for developing and executing Airbus U.S.’s Maritime business development strategy for the Departments of Navy and Homeland Security. Before joining Airbus U.S., he was the Acting Deputy Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Strategic Advisor for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a highly decorated former Naval Officer with nearly 15 years of combined active and reserve duty experience. Chris holds a BA in Political Science from Villanova University and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Business Development Team
Charlie Coolidge
Charles H. Coolidge, Jr. (U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen., retired) is Vice President of U.S. Air and Space Forces at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Since joining Airbus in 2004, he has been responsible for Air and Space Force business development activities in the U.S. Coolidge had an extensive and distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, holding multiple military honors he retired after 36 years of service. Prior to joining Airbus, Coolidge served as Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio from 2000 - 2003. Coolidge commanded three U.S. Air Force wings, served on the staffs of four major air commands, and served on the Joint Staff. Coolidge is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned a Master’s degree in Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
David Germroth
David Germroth is Vice President of Defense and Intelligence Community Relations at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Since joining Airbus in 2017, he has successfully executed several large-scale international defense and geospatial programs including TREx Project, Project Beech, and Project Cedar and has facilitated Government-to-Government agreements answering critical national security needs. Prior to his work for Airbus, he provided consulting services in international business development and government relations. A graduate of Temple University, he has amassed expertise in the areas of defense, national security and international trade policy. He served as a liaison representing a number of national security and trade organizations in Europe and Asia, as well as before Congress, the White House, Departments of State and a variety of defense and intelligence organizations. Mr. Germroth also served in the USAF as a War Readiness Material (WRM) specialist and a German linguist.
Brian Zarchin
Brian Zarchin is the Vice President of U.S. Army Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. Brian joined Airbus in January 2020 after serving as the U.S. Army Business Development Executive at Boeing Subsidiary, Insitu. Brian supports Airbus’ valued customers today by leveraging over 28 years of serving our Nation and our Warfighters as a U.S. Army Aviator and leader at tactical, operational and strategic levels within the Department of Defense, and as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry leader. Brian is a graduate of James Madison University, earned his master’s degree at the Marine Corps University and completed Harvard University’s Essential Management Skills for Emerging Business Leaders Course.
Aubert Kimbrell
Aubert Kimbrell is Vice President of Government Relations for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. He serves as an advisor on corporate political strategy, acts as a liaison to federal and state government officials, and works to secure federally appropriated funding for corporate activities. Kimbrell primarily supports corporate program initiatives within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Before joining Airbus, Kimbrell served on the staff of U.S. Representative (now U.S. Senator) Roger Wicker, working primarily on defense issues, and later rising to the role of Legislative Director. Kimbrell was born in Meridian, Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University.
Christopher Demi
Christopher Demi is the VP, U.S. Maritime Services and National Systems, where he is responsible for developing and executing Airbus U.S.’s Maritime business development strategy for the Departments of Navy and Homeland Security. Before joining Airbus U.S., he was the Acting Deputy Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Strategic Advisor for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a highly decorated former Naval Officer with nearly 15 years of combined active and reserve duty experience. Chris holds a BA in Political Science from Villanova University and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Business Development Team
Charlie Coolidge
Charles H. Coolidge, Jr. (U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen., retired) is Vice President of U.S. Air and Space Forces at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Since joining Airbus in 2004, he has been responsible for Air and Space Force business development activities in the U.S. Coolidge had an extensive and distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force, holding multiple military honors he retired after 36 years of service. Prior to joining Airbus, Coolidge served as Vice Commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio from 2000 - 2003. Coolidge commanded three U.S. Air Force wings, served on the staffs of four major air commands, and served on the Joint Staff. Coolidge is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and earned a Master’s degree in Physics from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
David Germroth
David Germroth is Vice President of Defense and Intelligence Community Relations at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. Since joining Airbus in 2017, he has successfully executed several large-scale international defense and geospatial programs including TREx Project, Project Beech, and Project Cedar and has facilitated Government-to-Government agreements answering critical national security needs. Prior to his work for Airbus, he provided consulting services in international business development and government relations. A graduate of Temple University, he has amassed expertise in the areas of defense, national security and international trade policy. He served as a liaison representing a number of national security and trade organizations in Europe and Asia, as well as before Congress, the White House, Departments of State and a variety of defense and intelligence organizations. Mr. Germroth also served in the USAF as a War Readiness Material (WRM) specialist and a German linguist.
Brian Zarchin
Brian Zarchin is the Vice President of U.S. Army Systems at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense Inc. Brian joined Airbus in January 2020 after serving as the U.S. Army Business Development Executive at Boeing Subsidiary, Insitu. Brian supports Airbus’ valued customers today by leveraging over 28 years of serving our Nation and our Warfighters as a U.S. Army Aviator and leader at tactical, operational and strategic levels within the Department of Defense, and as an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry leader. Brian is a graduate of James Madison University, earned his master’s degree at the Marine Corps University and completed Harvard University’s Essential Management Skills for Emerging Business Leaders Course.
Aubert Kimbrell
Aubert Kimbrell is Vice President of Government Relations for Airbus U.S. Space and Defense, Inc. He serves as an advisor on corporate political strategy, acts as a liaison to federal and state government officials, and works to secure federally appropriated funding for corporate activities. Kimbrell primarily supports corporate program initiatives within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security. Before joining Airbus, Kimbrell served on the staff of U.S. Representative (now U.S. Senator) Roger Wicker, working primarily on defense issues, and later rising to the role of Legislative Director. Kimbrell was born in Meridian, Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University.
Christopher Demi
Christopher Demi is the VP, U.S. Maritime Services and National Systems, where he is responsible for developing and executing Airbus U.S.’s Maritime business development strategy for the Departments of Navy and Homeland Security. Before joining Airbus U.S., he was the Acting Deputy Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Strategic Advisor for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a highly decorated former Naval Officer with nearly 15 years of combined active and reserve duty experience. Chris holds a BA in Political Science from Villanova University and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.