SwissDrones makes five hires to management team
SwissDrones has made five key additions to its management team with a focus on product development, go-to-market initiatives, compliance and global growth.
The firm is a world leader in manufacturing and operation of long-range uncrewed helicopter systems used largely for inspection and surveillance. Joining the team are Christoph Michalak as chief financial officer, Omid Abbasi as head of Design Organization, Erik Hjelm as VP of business development for North America, Christophe Chicandard and VP of Sales in APAC and Octavio de Almeida has come in as Global Business Development Manager.
“SwissDrones is committed to transforming the world of unmanned aerial systems, and our expanded management team will play a pivotal role in shaping our future,” said Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones. “Their collective career achievements, experience, expertise, and shared vision align perfectly with our mission to deliver advanced drone solutions that empower businesses to reach new operational efficiencies and synergies at scale worldwide.”
New CFO Michalak’s experience spans executive positions in various industries, including real estate development, wealth management, finance and marketing, at companies like Operandis, LINVO and LEAP.
Abbasi, Head of Design Organization, has a career history including AirBus, ALTEN Technology, and ACM Aerospace, Abbasi’s creative leadership “aligns perfectly” with SwissDrones’ mission to transform the drone industry, it said.
With a focus on North America, Hjelm brings substantial drone industry experience, working in senior roles at companies like Airbus and BAE Systems.
Over on the APAC side, Chicandard has had a career spanning over two decades in that market, holding senior positions at Embraer and Bombardier. His recent executive roles at Jet8 Aviation Limited and AerSale also highlight his expertise.
Finally, de Almeida, SwissDrones’ new Global Business Development Manager has worked at firms like GE Aviation, Embraer, HondaJet and Honeywell. With a focus on aviation products, complex negotiations and customer relations, Ulrich said de Almeida is “well-equipped” to drive SwissDrones’ global presence.
