Brian Barents has retired, stepping down from his position as executive chairman and CEO of Aerion, although he is still serving on the company’s board of directors.
Tom Vice has been elected as the new CEO and president, effective immediately, while continuing as a member of the board. He is now responsible for all aspects of Aerion’s leadership, including its separate companies – Aerion Supersonic in Reno, Nevada, which is designing supersonic commercial aircraft, and Aerion Technologies, in Palo Alto, California, specializing in aerodynamics software.
“Aerion has seen many changes since its inception and continues to evolve and grow in its pursuit of a supersonic revival,” said Robert Bass, chairman. “Today, I am reporting a smooth transition in leadership that keeps us firmly on a positive trajectory. Brian has made an enormous contribution in guiding our efforts since the beginning of Aerion in 2003, in recruiting the talents within the company, and also the major external partners we need to design and build the AS2. I want to express my gratitude to Brian for his belief in Aerion, his leadership, and his friendship.”
Vice’s previous experience includes a 30-year career with Northrop Grumman, where he held roles including president of the Aerospace Systems sector, and president of the Technical Services sector. He serves on the board of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, the board of councilors for USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering, and the board of advisors for Purdue University’s School of Astronautics and Aeronautics.
“I am confident that Tom will see the AS2 successfully launched into service and that he will create a flight path for follow-on aircraft that will maintain Aerion’s leadership in the emerging supersonic segment,” said Barents.
