AMSL Aero has named Dr Adriano Di Pietro as its new Chief Executive Officer to lead the Australian company through the next stage of manufacturing and global commercialisation of its hydrogen-electric aircraft, Vertiia.
The appointment marks a significant step for AMSL Aero as it gears up to scale its production capabilities and bring its advanced vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to market.
Dr Di Pietro, who officially commenced his role in the week beginning 7 July, brings nearly two decades of experience across aerospace, automotive, defence and autonomous systems.
“His deep technical expertise and industry leadership make him uniquely suited to lead the team into our next growth phase as we move towards hydrogen flight testing,” said AMSL Aero Co-Founder and Board Director Andrew Moore.
Before joining AMSL Aero, Dr Di Pietro led the Aerospace Innovation Research Hub at Swinburne University and served as interim CEO of the Australian Air Mobility Cooperative Research Centre.
His appointment comes as AMSL prepares to construct its second full-scale Vertiia prototype and launch its first hydrogen-powered flight test program, with certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in sight.
“I believe in the company’s bold vision to revolutionise air mobility through accessible zero-emissions technology,” Dr Di Pietro said. “AMSL has a world-class team that’s not only redefining the future of aviation but building a cleaner, faster, and more connected regional transportation system—something that’s vital to Australia’s economic resilience, accessibility, and future prosperity.”
In 2024, AMSL Aero became one of only a few global companies to successfully complete untethered horizontal flight with an eVTOL.
Vertiia is the first eVTOL aircraft in the world designed from the ground up to use hydrogen fuel, enabling long-range, heavy-lift, and passenger operations.
Chair of AMSL Aero, Chris Smallhorn, said Dr Di Pietro’s appointment will help cement the company’s position as a leader in sustainable aviation manufacturing.
“After a highly competitive search, we are thrilled to welcome Adriano,” said Mr Smallhorn. “His track record in scaling aerospace technology ventures will be instrumental in the next phase of development with our second full-scale prototype.
He will lead our growing team of more than 65 talented and passionate engineers and aviation experts as we bring Vertiia’s affordable, zero-emission, long-range, point-to-point aviation capabilities to Australia and the world.”
Dr Di Pietro holds a PhD in advanced aerospace manufacturing technology and an engineering degree.
His past roles include leadership at XTEK (now HighCom Group), the Silicon Valley autonomous vehicle firm Zoox, and Quickstep Technologies, an aerospace composites manufacturer operating in Australia and Germany.
