The advisory board of Volocopter has appointed Dr Dieter Zetsche as chairman of its advisory board, with immediate effect, where he will play a key role in supporting the strategic direction of the company.

Zetsche, a renowned business leader, former CEO of Daimler and a proven mobility expert, states: “I am looking forward to helping shape the transformation of urban mobility alongside Volocopter and thus making a contribution to ensuring that Germany remains a leading mobility location in the 21st century.”

Zetsche succeeds Stefan Klocke, who will remain a member of the advisory board. “Stefan Klocke's entrepreneurial vision and foresight has helped turn the Bruchsal-based start-up into a company with global appeal. I look forward to continuing to work with him and to his valuable contributions on the advisory board. Together with the entire team, we will drive forward the commercialisation of Volocopter and thus write a new chapter in aviation history,” Zetsche continues.

Dr Zhihao Xu, CEO of China-based vehicle manufacturer Geely Technology Group, has also joined the advisory board. His appointment supports the global orientation of both board and business. “The mobility of the future will take place both on the road and in the air. Synergies are obvious, which is why I am delighted to be able to contribute my extensive experience to Volocopter,” he says.

NEOM Investment Fund CEO Majid Mufti will remain a member of the advisory board.

The board has also accepted Dirk Hoke's request to step down from his position as CEO at the end of February 2025. Over the past two years, Hoke has succeeded in stabilising the company technologically and financially despite a difficult investment market environment. Important entrepreneurial structures and processes have been established in the start-up that will continue to shape the company in the future. Following the successful Parisian flight test campaign during this summer's Olympic Games period, the priority in coming months will be to successfully complete the development of the VoloCity aircraft and become the first EASA-certified eVTOL company.

“On behalf of the advisory board, I would like to thank Dirk Hoke for his strong commitment over the past two years. He took over Volocopter in a crucial phase and drove it forward, for which we would like to express our appreciation. We wish him all the best for the future,” says Zetsche.

“In my career, I have never experienced such a dynamic company development in this short space of time. I am firmly convinced that the setup we have achieved puts us in the best possible position for the successful commercialisation of Volocopter. It has been a privilege to lead this great start-up with its impressive employees. Until the end of February 2025, I will devote all my energy to achieving EASA certification and thus creating an essential building block for the future of Volocopter,” he says. “At the same time, I am pleased that we have been able to gain an experienced new chairman of the advisory board in Dieter Zetsche, who has been with us for a long time and will simultaneously strengthen our shareholder structure.”

Hoke's successor as CEO will be announced in due course.