People & Appointments
Leadership changes, new positions, appointments and profiles.
Chief of the General Staff in the Czech Republic: government backs Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč
The Czech government has approved the nomination of Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč as Chief of the General Staff – against the vote of Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna. President Petr Pavel has already said he intends to appoint him.
Leonardo CEO: board of directors appoints Lorenzo Mariani to head the group
The new Leonardo CEO is Lorenzo Mariani, whose career has switched several times between the group and MBDA. At the same time, a “General Management” department is being created under Co-General Manager Gian Piero Cutillo.
Hungary's defence minister: Péter Magyar picks former Chief of the General Staff Ruszin-Szendi
Péter Magyar has presented the first seven ministers of his future government; Romulusz Ruszin-Szendi is earmarked as Hungary's defence minister. The lieutenant general was dismissed as Chief of the General Staff in 2023 – the reasons remain disputed to this day.
Hensoldt Austria GmbH: Maximilian Brunner takes over as managing director
The change of leadership at Hensoldt Austria comes with a reorganisation: the Vienna-based Hensoldt Analytics GmbH will in future bear this name and will be merged with the former ESG site in Vienna.
Droneshield: Michael Powell takes over operational leadership as Chief Operating Officer
Droneshield is reshaping its operational leadership for the next phase of growth. The new Chief Operating Officer, Michael Powell, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience, including at Thales Australia and Knorr-Bremse.
Shield AI appoints Mark Pfeiffer as Head of Business Development for Austria, Germany and Czechia
Three markets, one new lead: at Shield AI, Mark Pfeiffer will in future be in charge of business in Austria, Germany and Czechia. The industry expert previously worked for IABG, Hensoldt Analytics and SAIL Labs, among others.
Mykhailo Fedorov to become Ukraine's defence minister – the Verkhovna Rada has yet to approve
From the digital ministry to the defence portfolio: Mykhailo Fedorov, under whose leadership the “Diia” app was created, has been designated Ukraine's new defence minister. Parliament decides on the appointment on the president's proposal.
Loitering munition: Stark brings Jan-Patrick Helmsen onto its board as Chief Sales Officer
Jan-Patrick Helmsen moves from Rheinmetall management to the board of Stark: at the German manufacturer of loitering munition, the former army officer will in future be responsible for sales and business development. At the same time, Martin Rost joins the management team as COO.
Loitering munition: Stark appoints former Zalando manager Martin Rost as Chief Operating Officer
More than 16 years at Zalando, now manufacturing at Stark: Martin Rost is to ramp up operations and production at the German loitering munition manufacturer. Jan-Patrick Helmsen joins the company's management board alongside him as CSO.
Lars Immisch leaves the Hensoldt Executive Board for health reasons
People and appointments at Hensoldt: Lars Immisch leaves the Executive Board at the turn of the year 2025/2026. A successor has already been determined and takes over in the new year; until then, the board and the HR leadership team will jointly ensure continuity in human resources.
Donaustahl hires Horst Rieder as CFO – former KNDS finance chief takes the helm
People and appointments at Donaustahl: a long-serving group CFO of KNDS is now responsible for the company's finances. Horst Rieder is to expand the financial structures and provide strategic support for the firm's growth.
Marcus Wandt heads Saab's new group function for strategy and technology
From chief test pilot of the Gripen E via an ISS mission to the leadership level: Saab appoints Marcus Wandt as Senior Vice President to head the newly created “Group Strategy and Technology” function.
ARX Robotics appoints former Lufthansa board member Detlef Kayser as Board Advisor
People and appointments at ARX Robotics: a former Lufthansa board member and McKinsey partner is to support the company's scaling. Detlef Kayser will advise the company as Board Advisor and contribute his network in industry and strategic sectors.