Chris Emerson, former CEO and chairman of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, has joined AE Industrial Partners as an operating partner.
He previously spent more than 25 years Airbus and currently serves as a board member at AEI portfolio companies Belcan, Firefly Aerospace and The Atlas Group, the private equity firm said Thursday.
David Rowe, managing partner of AEI, said Emerson brings an extensive aerospace and defense sector experience as the firm aims to identify new business opportunities and create value across its portfolio.
Emerson started his career at the Daimler-Mercedes Benz team that later created Airbus, where his other leadership roles include president of the helicopters business.
His appointment comes after AEI announced its acquisition of a majority stake in York Space Systems.
