Dufour Aerospace, the innovative Swiss drone and eVTOL company, has announced the appointment of Sascha Hardegger as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2024. Hardegger succeeds Thomas Pfammatter, who was the company’s co-founder and successfully led the company as CEO for seven years. Pfammatter will continue to serve as Head of Strategy and member of the Board of Directors.
CEO Sascha Hardegger said, “I am excited to take on the leadership role at Dufour Aerospace at this important moment for the company and our team, and I am honored that the Board and Management have placed their trust in me to lead the company. In the months and years ahead, we will strengthen our relationships with partners, secure market access and increase production. Development and engineering, which are fundamental to Dufour’s progress, will always be important to Dufour, and as CEO, I look forward to shaping and supporting these processes and working even more closely with our most important stakeholders, our employees. We would not be where we are today without Thomas’ visionary leadership, and we are excited to continue to have his support.”
Mr. Hardegger previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at Dufour and joined the company in 2021. He has 12 years of experience in helicopter emergency medical services and search and rescue at Swiss Air-Rescue Rega, a world-renowned helicopter rescue organization and air ambulance supplier. There, he led Rega’s pioneering innovations in unmanned aerial vehicles and drone programs as a management and helicopter operations manager. Educated at the University of Zurich, Mr. Hardegger has worked as a journalist, as a media spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Ministry of Justice and the Swiss National Police, and on overseas peacekeeping missions for the military. He is a pilot on a variety of aircraft.
Thomas Pfparmatter will remain actively involved in Dufour Aerospace, supporting the company with his extensive operational experience and business network as a co-founder and a long-time rescue helicopter pilot with Air Zermatt.
“Dufour Aerospace’s tilt-wing technology has demonstrated tremendous potential,” said Pfammatter. “It has been an honor to lead the company through its initial concept development through the development and launch of our autonomous drone, the Aero2. Sascha has proven to be the leader the company needs to take the next step in its development, and I am excited to support Dufour Aerospace’s board and management team in this strategic role going forward.”
About Dufour Aerospace
Dufour Aerospace develops efficient and sustainable aircraft for cargo transport, logistics and public safety. Using distributed electric propulsion and hybrid modules, it meets today’s Advanced Air Mobility and medium-sized drone market requirements. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Visp, Switzerland, with a design office and flight test facility in Dübendorf, Switzerland. Dufour Aerospace currently employs over 50 people.
https://www.dufour.aero
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