AE Industrial adds former Airbus US defense chief
Chris Emerson brings 25 years of aerospace experience to the private equity firm. Courtesy of AE Industrial Partners.
By
Ross Wilkers
Airbus Defense & Space changed its strategy under his leadership.
Private equity firm AE Industrial Partners has brought on board an additional operating partner executive in Chris Emerson, a 25-year aerospace veteran and former CEO of Airbus' U.S. defense subsidiary.
As CEO of Airbus Defense & Space from 2019-21, Emerson led that business' pivot away from its focus on fixed-wing platforms and toward an emphasis on space and intelligence technologies.
"(Chris') extensive background and longstanding relationships in aerospace, aviation and defense, including his many years at Airbus, will be instrumental in helping us identify opportunities to create value across our portfolio," AE Industrial Managing Partner David Rowe said in a release Thursday.
Emerson is currently on the boards of directors for AE Industrial-backed companies Belcan, Firefly Aerospace and The Atlas Group.
His career also includes roles as president of Airbus' U.S. helicopter business and chief financial officer for the airplane giant's overall operations in the country. He started his career at the Daimler-Mercedes Benz team that eventually helped form Airbus.
NEXT STORY: Reli Group finalizes leadership realignment