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Boeing taps Wisk Aero CEO to head commercial airplane product development 

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 7, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 24, 2026

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By Dan Catchpole SEATTLE -Boeing-owned Wisk Aero announced Wednesday that its CEO Brian Yutko is leaving to take over product development for Boeing's commercial airplanes division. In his new role,

Boeing Names New Leader for Airplane Product Development

By Dan Catchpole

SEATTLE -Boeing-owned Wisk Aero announced Wednesday that its CEO Brian Yutko is leaving to take over product development for Boeing's commercial airplanes division.

In his new role, Yutko will still oversee Wisk, which is developing an autonomous air taxi, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' head of product strategy Mike Sinnett told employees in an internal memo shared with Reuters. 

"The combination of projects under one umbrella gives us more collaboration opportunities that will benefit Boeing well into the future," Sinnett said in the memo. 

In Wisk's news release announcing the moves, Yutko said joining Boeing will "connect the pioneering technologies and bold spirit of innovation we’ve cultivated at Wisk."

Prior to joining the San Francisco-based company in 2023, Yutko was a senior leader in BCA's research and development of future aircraft systems, such as autonomous air taxis. 

Wisk currently is developing an electric, four-seat air taxi, dubbed the 6th Generation. 

In March, Boeing CFO Brian West said at an investors conference that technology being pioneered by Wisk will be key to the future of autonomous flight and valuable to the rest of Boeing's business. "It's small, it's important, and we're staying with it."

Sebastien Vigneron is taking over as Wisk CEO. He previously was Wisk’s senior vice president of engineering and programs.

(Reporting by Dan Catchpole in Seattle; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Key Takeaways

  • Brian Yutko leaves Wisk Aero to lead Boeing's product development.
  • Yutko will continue overseeing Wisk's autonomous air taxi projects.
  • Boeing aims to integrate innovative technologies from Wisk.
  • Sebastien Vigneron becomes Wisk's new CEO.
  • Boeing sees Wisk's technology as crucial for future aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The article discusses Boeing appointing Brian Yutko to lead its commercial airplane product development.
Who is Brian Yutko?
Brian Yutko is the former CEO of Wisk Aero and now leads Boeing's commercial airplane product development.
What is Wisk Aero's focus?
Wisk Aero focuses on developing autonomous air taxis and is owned by Boeing.

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