With the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2023) just weeks away, the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have revealed that Toto and Susie Wolff will kick off the show as keynote speakers.

Toto Wolff is the team principal, CEO and co-owner of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, among the most successful in Formula 1 history. Following a successful career in racing he founded what was one of the earliest tech-focused venture capital firms in Europe. Sustainability is factored into every decision made by the team, which aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. Last year, it became the first global sports team to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It has reduced its direct carbon emissions by 50 per cent since 2018 and is working to become the world's most sustainable professional sports team.

Susie Wolff, a former race car driver, was recently named managing director of the F1 Academy. She retired last year as CEO and managing partner of ROKiT Venturi Racing after guiding the team's most successful Formula E all-electric racing season.

“Toto and Susie Wolff are leaders in many fields, and pioneers in shaping a more diverse, equitable and sustainable future in motorsport and beyond,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “We are thrilled they will join us at EBACE2023 and look forward to hearing their perspectives on these and other issues of shared importance to both racing and aviation.”

“EBACE2023 is delighted to welcome Toto and Susie Wolff to our stage, as we eagerly anticipate their insights on how the pressures of the racing industry, specifically Formula 1 and Formula E, have driven innovation and progress for the wider automotive industry,” adds EBAA chairman of the board of governors Juergen Wiese. “We look forward to hearing their valuable analogies on how business aviation can similarly serve as a catalyst for innovation within the aviation sector and beyond.”

The keynote session with the Wolffs will kick off the show week, including a two day Sustainability Summit highlighting business aviation's varied efforts to accelerate the flight to a net-zero emission future through the sector's ambitious goals set forth in its Business Aviation Commitment on Climate Change. Attendees will hear from leaders in next-generation propulsion systems, advanced air mobility, carbon-reduction advances and other sustainability initiatives.

Taking place 23-25 May at Geneva's Palexpo and Geneva International airport in Switzerland, EBACE2023 is Europe's premier event showcasing sustainable, on-demand aviation and advanced air mobility (AAM) throughout the European continent. The event will bring together thousands of business leaders, government officials, manufacturers, flight department personnel and others involved in nearly every aspect of business aviation.