Volocopter CEO to step down in early 2025

Volocopter CEO Dirk Hoke has had his request to step down in February 2025 accepted by the firm’s advisory board.

Hoke took over from Florian Reuter in September 2022, steering the company through its 2X flight test campaigns in a difficult investment market environment. Hoke’s successor as CEO will be announced by the board in due course.

“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,” said Hoke. “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.”

Volocopter has also appointed Dr. Dieter Zetsche as chairman of the advisory board with immediate effect. Former Daimler CEO, Zetsche succeeds Stefan Klocke, who will remain a member of the board.

“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,” said Zetsche.

“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 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,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Zhihao Xu, CEO of Geely Technology Group, has newly joined as a member of Volocopter’s advisory board. “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,” said Xu.

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