In a strategic and significant movement, leading Australian green aviation company, AMSL Aero, has announced the appointment of Max York, the former CEO of GE Australia, as its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director. York will join the board to steer the company alongside its co-founders, Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon.
York brings to AMSL Aero from substantial international commercial leadership skills, enhanced by a 15-year tenure leading GE Aviation's commercial activities in the Asia Pacific region. He also lends the weight of his military experience, having served as a Commander in the Royal Australian Navy. His appointment signifies a drive towards enhancing AMSL Aero's global commercial and leadership strength, and guiding the company as it plans to raise further funds in 2024.
This important milestone for AMSL Aero comes six years after it was founded by Moore, a distinguished aeronautical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the aircraft industry, and Lyndon, a technology, telecommunications, and professional services veteran of the same length. This dynamic husband-and-wife duo has since expanded the company to over 50 employees and secured over A$50 million from private and government sources to support Moore's invention, Vertia. This zero-emissions aircraft boasts a world-leading capability in Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) technology. York's arrival sees Moore shift into the newly created Chief Engineering Officer role, while Lyndon continues as Chief Operations Officer.
Welcoming York, the couple jointly expressed their excitement: "We are thrilled to have Max on board for the next phase of our mission to decarbonise aviation. Max has a strong track record as an Aviation executive, engineer, and principled business leader. Together, we will bring our hydrogen-powered aircraft Vertiia to vital markets including air ambulance, emergency services, passenger, and cargo transport, saving lives and better meeting the needs of people living in regional and remote areas. We are thrilled that he has chosen to join us for this next growth phase."
York is eager to join AMSL at this crucial juncture in its journey to revolutionise travel: “AMSL Aero is a leading eVTOL company, and its Vertiia product has the longest range of any aircraft of its type in the world. Andrew and Siobhan are inspiring founders who, with an incredible team, have built a prototype that has recently completed a successful flight test. I am honoured to be joining this team to help fulfil its potential as we continue flight testing, certification, and manufacturing activities.”
AMSL Aero Chair, Chris Smallhorn, praised the decision: "Max brings his deep and seasoned executive and commercial experience to AMSL. He is a proven international aviation executive and senior leader who posses the passion and acumen to match the energy and vision of our co-founders. Vertiia is borne of Andrew's genius which, coupled with his and Siobhan's exceptional capacity, commercial acumen, and courage, has taken AMSL to the remarkable place it is today. Max, alongside Andrew and Siobhan, form a formidable team that will take the company towards tomorrow where Vertiia will provide zero emission, affordable and long-range point-to-point aviation to Australia and the world."
Max York's extensive career includes advisory roles for Baker & Provan, a prominent Australian heavy engineering and manufacturing company serving Defence and key industries including hydro, rail transport and mining; as well as a position on the Deans Industry Advisory Board of the University of Technology Sydney Business School. York's skillset is further enriched with degrees in electronics engineering from the University of New South Wales and a graduate diploma in management from the Australian Graduate School of Management.