Vertical Aviation International (VAI) has announced that it has appointed François Lassale as its next President and CEO. Lassale will succeed Jim Viola, who left the role to head up GAMA in March of this year. The appointment will surprise many since the widely held belief was that VAI COO Mike Hertzendorf was the most likely candidate for the role until his abrupt departure from the association a month ago.
Another question the selection of Lasalle raises is, as the first non-US origin chief executive in the history of the association to hold the job, does this mark a change in the association’s position? Will it look under Lasalle’s leadership to expand its remit to become the de facto world body for the industry? Certainly, with his experience working in the military, public service and commercial aviation in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, he undoubtedly has the credentials and international experience to make that a reality.
“François is the right leader at the right time for VAI,” said Rick Kenin, Chairman of the VAI Board of Directors and COO of transport for Boston MedFlight, an air ambulance operator in the US Northeast. “As our industry evolves to include both traditional rotorcraft and powered-lift technologies, his safety-first mindset, ability to unify diverse voices, and focus on delivering results will position VAI to lead the evolution and expansion of vertical flight. François understands that VAI must not only navigate this period of transformation – we must define it. With his operational and executive background, history of industry advocacy and leadership, and global experience, VAI under François’s leadership will be the most trusted voice uniting the vertical aviation community and driving sustainable growth.”
In a career of more than 35 years, Lasalle, most recently the CEO of Heli SGI, Heli Nuigini and Allway, has been a military aviator, held senior roles in commercial and civil helicopter and fixed-wing operations, and held leadership positions with HeliOffshore. He has also been an active volunteer for aviation organisations such as the Flight Safety Foundation, the European Helicopter Association, and the National Business Aviation Association, and he recently served as special advisor to the VAI Board of Directors on international issues.
Lassale will assume his role at VAI in the coming months, following the completion of US work permit formalities.
Image: VAI
