Ursa Major has appointed Chris Spagnoletti as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Spagnoletti replaces Dan Jablonsky, who leaves the company after 'leading a period of significant growth and technical achievement.' Ursa Major has thanked Jablonsky for his 'leadership and contributions', while ushering in the next phase of the company's growth.
In recent years, Ursa Major has established itself as a capable supplier of propulsion and defence systems, with additive manufacturing playing a key role in the development and manufacture of many of its solutions. In 2023, Ursa Major launched its 'Lynx' 3D printing approach in a bid to address USA's solid rocket motor shortage, while its 3D printing-enabled Draper engine underwent a successful hotfire test 'well ahead of schedule' in May 2024.
The company's Board has selected Spagnoletti as Jablonsky's replacement for his three decades worth of experience in developing and delivering critical systems for military and commercial aircraft. He has previously worked in leadership roles that span engineering, operations and business development, with his leadership abilities said to have been evident since joining Ursa Major in 2022.
Most recently, Spagnoletti worked as Ursa Major's President of Liquid Systems, where has helped to advance the company's hypersonic and space programs, while in a previous role as President of U.S. Cargo Systems, a TransDigm aerospace business, he led teams delivering mission-critical aerospace solutions across defence and commercial markets.
As CEO, he is being tasked with leveraging this experience, as well as his expertise in 'intertwining technical acumen with operational excellence for company profitability and sustainable growth' to scale Ursa Major.
“Over the past four years, Ursa Major has evolved from a startup into a trusted name in aerospace and defence,” said Spagnoletti. “We’ve flown hypersonic systems multiple times, designed and built the Draper engine and our first all-up round, and launched modernised solid rocket motor and in-space propulsion businesses. Leading this team through many of these milestones has been a defining chapter of my career. I have deep confidence in our people and in what we’re building. I’m honoured to serve as CEO as we continue delivering critical capabilities to our customers at speed and scale.”
“After thoughtful consideration, the Board unanimously agreed to promote Chris Spagnoletti as the next CEO of Ursa Major,” said Dr. Ron Sugar, a member of Ursa Major’s Board of Directors, and former CEO of Northrop Grumman. “Chris has already demonstrated the kind of leadership Ursa Major needs in the company’s next phase of growth. Chris has been central to advancing our hypersonic and liquid programs while building the operational rigour required to scale. This transition ensures continuity in strategy and accelerates the momentum already underway across the company.”
“Promoting Chris to CEO marks a defining moment for Ursa Major. He’s the kind of leader who builds fast, can scale complex products, and delivers when it matters most," said Lior Susan, Founding Partner of Eclipse. "Ursa Major is building the propulsion backbone America’s defence industrial base urgently needs. Under Chris’s leadership, the team will move much faster, manufacture at scale, and push the boundaries of next-generation aerospace and national security technology.”
