News Summary
Hyundai Motor Group has announced significant leadership changes at Supernal, its electric aircraft subsidiary, following the resignation of CEO Jaiwon Shin. As Supernal navigates operational challenges and a strategic shift that saw 10% of its workforce laid off, David Rottblatt has been appointed COO. The company is pausing aircraft programs to re-evaluate strategies while opening a new engineering headquarters in Irvine, California, aimed at entering the eVTOL market. Hyundai remains committed to advancing urban air mobility despite ongoing industry challenges.
Irvine, California – Hyundai Motor Group recently announced significant changes in the leadership of Supernal, its electric aircraft subsidiary, as the company faces operational challenges in the Advanced Air Mobility sector. Jaiwon Shin has resigned as the CEO of Supernal and head of Hyundai’s Advanced Air Mobility Division, effective August 31. He will transition into an advisory role to help facilitate upcoming leadership changes within the company.
Following Shin’s resignation, Hyundai is actively seeking potential replacements from the global aviation sector, according to Supernal spokeswoman Veronica Grigoriou. This transition comes on the heels of Hyundai’s announcement in July regarding a strategic shift that resulted in laying off 10% of its California workforce. Supernal’s staffing has now dwindled to approximately 500 employees.
In the interim, David Rottblatt has been appointed as the new chief operating officer to oversee daily operations. Rottblatt, who was hired in June 2024 as the senior director of business development, will work closely with Chief Financial Officer Iksoo Chun to develop operational strategies moving forward. Notably, Chief Technology Officer David McBride and Chief Safety and Quality Officer Tracy L. Lamb have also departed from the company, indicating a broader reshuffle at the executive level.
Supernal has decided to pause its aircraft programs while re-evaluating its strategies, particularly after demonstrating slow advancements in autonomous flying technology. The company is yet to achieve a full-scale prototype flight and has halted its test program for electric air taxi technology at the Mojave Air & Space Port, where a demonstration flight had been anticipated later this year.
In an effort to establish a stronger foothold in the eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) market, Supernal recently opened its engineering headquarters in Irvine, California. The facility aims to focus on developing a flying taxi tailored for congested urban environments. However, the company now faces stiff competition from other manufacturing entities in the field, including Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, and Wisk Aero.
Despite the current setbacks, Hyundai Motor Group has expressed its long-term commitment to the Advanced Air Mobility sector, emphasizing the enduring potential of the industry, even amidst ongoing challenges related to regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development. The leadership transition at Supernal marks a pivotal moment as the company navigates this complex landscape, aiming to recalibrate its approach and strategy going forward.
This reshuffle in leadership, workforce reductions, and program pauses come at a critical time for Supernal as it strives to remain competitive while advancing its mission of revolutionizing urban air mobility solutions.
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Additional Resources
- Aviation International News: Hyundai Seeks New Leadership for eVTOL Subsidiary Supernal
- The Air Current: Jaiwon Shin Removed as CEO of Struggling eVTOL Developer Supernal
- Aviation Week: Supernal Announces Leadership Change
- Wikipedia: Supernal
- Google Search: Hyundai Supernal
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