Andreas Lowenstein has left his position as CEO of Kopter “to pursue further opportunities,” the manufacturer of the upcoming light single SH09 has confirmed.
Lowenstein joined the company in January 2017, following the departure of its founder and then-CEO Martin Stucki. Speaking to the press after his appointment, Lowenstein called the role a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and went on to usher in fundamental change to the startup manufacturer, culminating in its $185-million sale to Leonardo in January 2020.
No successor has been named, but Marco Viola, who is currently in charge of Kopter’s integration within Leonardo, is to assume the role on an interim basis.
“In order to guarantee a swift and seamless transition, Leonardo will ensure the continuity of all activities and operations as well as of the integration progress, Kopter being a key part of Leonardo’s future success in the helicopter sector,” the company said in a statement announcing Lowenstein’s departure.
“The company wishes Andreas best luck for his future endeavours,” it added.
During his time as CEO at Kopter, Lowenstein had overseen the company’s name change from Marenco Swisshelicopter to Kopter; its departure from a headquarters in Stucki’s family home in Pfaffikon to Wetzikon, Switzerland; the creation of a substantial manufacturing plant in Mollis, Switzerland; and the SH09’s continuing journey from cutting-edge concept through development, certification efforts and initial production.
The company has also swelled in size, and made plans for international growth with an agreement in place to establish a U.S. facility in Lafayette, Louisiana.
However, it was Leonardo’s purchase of the company that Lowenstein called “the highlight of the history of Kopter,” as that announcement was made earlier this year.
“After 10 years of very dense, intense work, all these people, building, innovating, we have achieved the product [SH09] of which we are quite proud and of which we are convinced will be the market leader, which will change the game in the light helicopter segment,” said Lowenstein.
The acquisition brought Leonardo a fast-tracked new light single for its product portfolio, with the Italian OEM also keen to explore using new technology, such as hybrid and unmanned flight, with the type.
Before the acquisition, Kopter had been aiming for certification of the SH09 by the end of 2020, with first deliveries shortly afterwards. Leonardo managing director Gian Piero Cutillo has subsequently said his company is looking at the first SH09 delivery being 2022 at the earliest.
The full impact of the acquisition on Kopter’s facilities in Mollis and Lafayette also remains unclear, with both locations under review.
