Leading Australian green aviation company AMSL Aero has appointed the globally experienced commercial executive, military veteran and board director Max York as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director to lead the company in partnership with its co-founders Andrew Moore and Siobhan Lyndon as it prepares to bring its world leading zero-emissions aircraft Vertiia to local and international markets.

Mr York, formerly CEO of GE Australia, led GE Aviation commercial activities in Asia Pacific for 15 years and  was a Commander in the Royal Australian Navy. His appointment further enhances AMSL Aero’s pre-eminent engineering experience and amplifies its global commercial and leadership strength as it prepares to raise further funds in 2024.

Today’s news heralds an important new chapter in the history of AMSL Aero, which was started in 2017 by Mr Moore, an  aeronautical engineer with 20+ years’ experience in the aircraft industry, and Ms Lyndon, who  has 20+ years’ experience in the technology, telecommunications, and professional services sectors. The husband-and-wife team have since grown the company to over 50 employees and raised more than A$50 million from private and government sources to support Mr Moore’s invention, the zero emissions aircraft Vertiia, which is the world’s most efficient  long range eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft. As a result of Mr York’s appointment, Mr Moore moves from CEO to the newly created role of Chief Engineering Officer and Ms Lyndon will continue as Chief Operating Officer.

Mr Moore & Ms Lyndon today welcomed Mr York to the CEO role, saying: “We are thrilled to have Max on board for the next phase of our mission to decarbonise aviation. Max has a strong track record as an Aviation executive, engineer, and principled business leader. Together, we will bring our hydrogen-powered aircraft Vertiia to vital markets including air ambulance, emergency services, passenger, and cargo transport, saving lives and better meeting the needs of people living in regional and remote areas. We are thrilled that he has chosen to join us for this next growth phase.”

Mr York said he was delighted to join AMSL at a pivotal point in its quest to deliver emissions free flying. He said: “AMSL Aero is a leading eVTOL company and its Vertiia product has the longest range of any aircraft of its type in the world.  Andrew and Siobhan are inspiring founders who together with an incredible team have done a stellar job to build a prototype that has successfully flown recently. I am honoured to be joining this team to help fulfill its potential as we continue flight testing, certification, and manufacturing activities.”

AMSL Aero Chair Chris Smallhorn said he was delighted to have Mr York forming a “dream team” with the co-founders to propel Vertiia and AMSL Aero into its vital next phase. He said: “Max brings  his deep and seasoned executive and commercial experience to AMSL. He is a proven international aviation executive and senior leader who possesses the passion and acumen to match the energy and vision of our co-founders. Vertiia is borne of Andrew’s genius which, coupled with his and Siobhan’s exceptional capacity, commercial acumen, and courage, has taken AMSL to the remarkable place it is today. Max, alongside Andrew and Siobhan, form a formidable team that will take the company towards tomorrow where Vertia will provide zero emission, affordable and long-range point-to-point aviation to Australia and the world.”

Max York Biography

Mr York is currently Advisory Board member for prominent Australian heavy engineering and manufacturing company Baker & Provan, serving Defence and key industries including hydro, rail transport and mining. He is also a Dean’s Industry Advisory Board member of the University of Technology Sydney Business School.

Mr York was formerly, Chief Executive Officer of GE Australia, leading its broad range of businesses – Aviation, Power, Renewable Energy, Oil and Gas, Transportation, Digital and Healthcare. He served for 18 years at GE, leading the GE Aviation business in Asia Pacific and was GE Aviation Global Sales Business Improvement Leader based in the USA.

Mr York spent the first two decades of his career in the Royal Australian Navy as an officer in engineering operations and integrated logistics, taking on leadership roles afloat and ashore in Australia, Washington DC and the Persian Gulf. He founded the Mine Warfare Class Logistics Office (MCD SPO forerunner) and was a member of the Tomorrow’s Navy Team, advising the Chief of Navy on strategy.

He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has degrees in electronics engineering from the University of New South Wales and a graduate diploma in management from the Australian Graduate School of Management. He is a former member of the Business Council of Australia, former Governor of the Australian American Chamber of Commerce, founding former member of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council.