AgEagle Aerial Systems Appoints Aerospace Industry Veteran Matt Martin as New Vice President of Operations

Rhea-AI Summary

AgEagle Aerial Systems (NYSE American: UAVS) has appointed aerospace industry veteran Matt Martin as the new Vice President of Operations, effective immediately. Martin, who brings over 30 years of experience, will oversee the company’s drone manufacturing and assembly operations at a new facility in Wichita, Kansas. Previously, he held key positions at Spirit AeroSystems and Boeing, showcasing significant leadership in aerospace projects. CEO J. Michael Drozd believes Martin's expertise aligns perfectly with AgEagle's goals in the high-growth commercial drone sector.

Positive

• Appointment of Matt Martin adds significant aerospace expertise to AgEagle.
• Martin has a proven track record in aerospace leadership and manufacturing.

Negative

• None.

Led Spirt AeroSystems’ Airbus Programs, Hawker Beechcraft’s JPATS Program and 
Held Senior Leadership Roles on Key Boeing Development Programs

NEODESHA, Kan., Sept. 01, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (the “Company”), an industry leading provider of advanced UAVs and aerial imagery, data collection and analytics solutions, today announced the appointment of aerospace industry veteran Matt Martin as new Vice President of Operations, effective immediately. Reporting directly to the Company’s CEO J. Michael Drozd, Martin will oversee all aspects of AgEagle’s fully integrated drone and subcomponent manufacturing, assembly, design, engineering and testing operations to be based in AgEagle’s newly leased facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Martin stated, “I am very pleased to contribute my extensive aerospace industry expertise to such a dynamic team focused solely on  leading  the high-growth commercial drone industry. Since 2010, AgEagle has pioneered early advancements in the field of commercial UAVs.This positions the Company well to drive global adoption of drones in a broad range of industries and define entirely new standards of excellence for drone production and their applications. I am looking forward to playing a meaningful role in AgEagle’s future success.”

Martin brings to AgEagle over 30+ years of manufacturing experience in the aerospace industry, with emphasis on program engineering leadership and concentration on commercial and military aircraft, large scale system integration and quality systems controls, and compliance with complex regulatory requirements. Prior to joining AgEagle, Martin served as Vice President of Airbus Programs at Spirit AeroSystems, where he orchestrated the vision of Airbus Programs worldwide. He was originally recruited to Spirit Aerosystems in 2013 as Director of Product Design Engineering before being promoted to Program Director of the A350-900 Section 15 program. In this capacity, he was a key leader in the program’s final certification, entry into service and successful turnarounds in delivery, quality and financial performance.

Prior to Spirit AeroSystems, Martin served as Vice President at Hawker Beechcraft Defense Company, where he spearheaded the execution of the Joint Primary Aircraft Training Systems contract for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy with an overall value of approximately $1+ billion. Earlier in his career, Martin rose through the ranks at Boeing, holding senior leadership roles on key programs, including the International Space Station Program, 767 Tanker/Transport Program and the Air Force One Maintenance, Modifications and Upgrades Program.

Martin is the proud recipient of the Silver Snoopy, a prestigious award bestowed by NASA on individuals who have significantly contributed to the human space flight program to ensure flight safety and mission success. Fewer than one percent of the Aerospace program workforce receive it annually, making it a special honor.   Martin graduated from Wichita State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering,

Commenting on the appointment, Drozd noted, “Our leadership team unanimously agreed that Matt is  the ideal person to lead our commercial drone manufacturing operations. In addition to his proven senior leadership experience and deep engineering and manufacturing expertise, Matt clearly shares our belief in the transformational potential that commercial drones represent in many industries.  Moreover, in view of AgEagle’s commitment to scaling our drone manufacturing operations with attention to the highest possible quality standards, there is no doubt that he will contribute measurably to our Company’s growth and long-term value creation. We are excited to welcome him to the AgEagle family.”

About AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc.
Founded in 2010 and based in Kansas, AgEagle has earned distinction as one of the industry’s leading pioneers of technologically advanced drones and aerial imagery-based data collection and analytics solutions. We are trusted to help the world’s growers, consumer packaged goods companies and their supply chain partners proactively assess and manage the health of commercial crops, reduce the chemicals in produced foods and products and preserve and protect natural resources. In addition, we are at the leading edge of providing state and territorial departments of agriculture, growers and processors with registration, oversight, compliance/enforcement, and reporting solutions relating to the United States’ emerging hemp cultivation industry. In late 2019, we began pursuing expansion opportunities within the emerging Drone Logistics and Transportation market with the manufacture and assembly of UAVs designed to meet specifications for drones that are meant to carry packaged goods in urban and suburban areas. For more information, please visit www.ageagle.com. 

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management’s current expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to our competitive position, the industry environment, potential growth opportunities, and the effects of regulation and events outside of our control, such as natural disasters, wars or health epidemics. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

Contacts:
Investor Relations
Gateway Investor Relations
Sean Mansouri or Cody Cree
Phone: 949-574-3860
Email: UAVS@gatewayIR.com

Press/Media Contact
Primo PR
Tara Coomans or Laura Nystrom
Phone: 424-278-9199
Email: media@ageagle.com

FAQ

Who is the newly appointed Vice President of Operations at AgEagle Aerial Systems?

The newly appointed Vice President of Operations at AgEagle Aerial Systems is Matt Martin.

What experience does Matt Martin bring to AgEagle Aerial Systems?

Matt Martin brings over 30 years of aerospace industry experience, having held senior roles at Spirit AeroSystems and Boeing.

What will Matt Martin oversee at AgEagle Aerial Systems?

Matt Martin will oversee all aspects of AgEagle's drone manufacturing, assembly, design, engineering, and testing operations.

When did Matt Martin start his role at AgEagle Aerial Systems?

Matt Martin's appointment as Vice President of Operations at AgEagle Aerial Systems is effective immediately as of September 1, 2020.

Why is the appointment of Matt Martin important for AgEagle Aerial Systems?

Matt Martin's extensive experience and leadership in the aerospace industry are expected to strengthen AgEagle's position in the growing commercial drone market.