#USA #Aerospace #Ursa Major #Berthoud #Chris Spagnoletti

Ursa Major Welcomes New Leadership

In a significant move for the aerospace industry, Ursa Major has announced Chris Spagnoletti as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Spagnoletti takes the helm at a critical time for the company, which specializes in developing advanced propulsion systems for hypersonic and space applications. With more than 30 years of experience in engineering and operations for military and commercial aircraft, Spagnoletti's extensive background positions him to propel Ursa Major into its next growth phase.

Since joining the company in 2022 as President of Liquid Systems, Spagnoletti has played a pivotal role in steering Ursa Major's efforts in hypersonic technology and space programs. He has been integral in launching several high-profile initiatives that solidified Ursa Major’s reputation as a trusted name in aerospace and defense. Having overseen the successful testing of hypersonic systems and the development of the Draper engine, Spagnoletti is no stranger to achieving excellent results under pressure.

Spagnoletti expressed his enthusiasm about taking on this new responsibility, stating, "Over the past four years, Ursa Major has evolved from a startup into a trusted name in aerospace and defense. It's a privilege to lead a team that has achieved so many milestones, from developing hypersonic systems to launching new propulsion businesses. My focus will be on continuing to deliver critical capabilities to our customers effectively and efficiently."

In his previous role as President of U.S. Cargo Systems, part of TransDigm, Spagnoletti gained considerable experience in educational leadership while delivering mission-critical aerospace solutions. His expertise combines technical understanding and operational excellence, allowing companies to thrive sustainably. With a seasoned executive team and a commitment to advancing the company’s strategic goals, he is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of scaling operations at Ursa Major.

The transition comes with the unanimous backing of Ursa Major's Board of Directors. Dr. Ron Sugar, a board member and former CEO of Northrop Grumman, noted, "Chris has shown the leadership qualities necessary for Ursa Major’s future direction. His progress with our hypersonic and liquid programs has been commendable, and his operational rigor will be key as we scale our operations."

Lior Susan, Founding Partner of Eclipse, highlighted Spagnoletti's knack for efficiency and innovation. “Chris is the kind of leader who builds quickly, scales complex products, and delivers results,” said Susan. This sentiment echoes across the industry, as many are optimistic about how Spagnoletti will lead Ursa Major in enhancing its service offerings while pushing the frontiers of aerospace technology.

Chris Spagnoletti succeeds Dan Jablonsky, who led Ursa Major during a transformative period marked by substantial growth and numerous achievements. The company extends its gratitude to Jablonsky for his leadership and contributions, wishing him the best in future endeavors.

The Road Ahead for Ursa Major

As Spagnoletti steps into the role of CEO, Ursa Major stands at a crossroads filled with potential. The company is dedicated to revamping the defense industrial base for the U.S. and allied nations, underpinned by innovation in propulsion technologies for various domains—land, air, sea, and space. The mission is clear: to fly faster and deliver essential capabilities where speed and adaptability are critical.

With Spagnoletti at the helm, Ursa Major is poised for a future where the intersection of aerospace advancements and defense technology meets the urgent needs of national security. The path ahead not only emphasizes expanding current programs but also showcasing the extraordinary talents within the organization. As the company continues to develop modernized solid rocket motor and in-space propulsion businesses, Spagnoletti's leadership will be vital in accelerating these efforts.

In summary, the appointment of Chris Spagnoletti as CEO of Ursa Major exemplifies the company’s commitment to its strategic vision and growth. With an industry veteran at the wheel, Ursa Major is set to navigate the challenges ahead and further solidify its role as a leader in the aerospace and defense sectors.