SPIKE AEROSPACE - Key Persons


Bill Boisture

Job Titles:
  • Corporate Development & Strategy
  • Operating Partner at AeroEquity Industrial
Bill Boisture graduated from the USAF Fighter Weapons School and the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (the "Top Gun" school). But he is perhaps better known for his 35 years of senior leadership positions at some of the highest profile companies including as the former President & COO of Gulfstream Aerospace, President of NetJets, Chairman & CEO of Hawker Beechcraft. He brings his incredible leadership background and experience to Spike Aerospace to help execute on its strategy. Mr. Boisture is also an Operating Partner at AeroEquity Industrial where he is primarily responsible for working with AE Industrial portfolio companies as a Chairman / board member, helping to build platforms, provide senior management support, and drive strategic growth initiatives. In addition, Mr. Boisture is active in evaluating senior management talent, assessing investment opportunities and providing market intelligence in AE Industrial's target sectors. Mr. Boisture sits on the boards of AE Industrial portfolio companies: Applied Composites, Belcan, Alpine Air, Columbia Helicopters and Global Jet Capital. He has completed a number of strategic sales (Butler Aviation, BA Corporate Jets, Gulfstream), as well as the restructuring and sale of Beechcraft Corporation to Textron. Mr. Boisture holds a BS in Engineering Management from the U.S. Air Force Academy and an MBA from the University of New Haven.

Brian Foley

Job Titles:
  • Bring Aviation Marketing Expertise to
  • Marketing & Strategy
  • Strategy & Marketing
Brian Foley, a long-time business jet market expert, brings decades of marketing and business strategy experience to Spike Aerospace. He was formerly Dassault Falcon Jet's Marketing Director for 20 years and is the current founder of aviation consultancy Brian Foley Associates (BRiFO) formed in 2006. His career began at Boeing as a flight test engineer and marketing manager. Over the course of Foley's career, he has been involved with various supersonic business jet initiatives and appreciates the nuances from a technological, regulatory and customer aspect. He understands buyer behavior for high-end corporate jets and has even been involved in raising growth capital for aviation companies. Foley holds a dual BS degree in aerospace and mechanical engineering from Syracuse University, an MBA from Seattle University and completed Wharton's Executive Education Program in Corporate Governance. He earned a Series 7 General Securities Representative license and is an instrument-rated private pilot. BOSTON, MA, Wed September 16, 2020 - Brian Foley, long-time business jet industry executive turned aviation industry strategist, is the latest senior executive to join the Spike Aerospace as an executive advisor. He brings his expertise in marketing and business strategy to the company as the Spike S-512 supersonic jet program continues to expand. [...]

Dean Wei

Job Titles:
  • Marketing & Strategy
  • Strategy & Marketing
Dean Wei offers decades of marketing strategy and insights gleaned from building and managing creative teams for Apple, Nike, IndiGo, AirB&B and others. His experience as a marketing leader for Fortune 50 firms has taken him around the globe hundreds of times. Prior to W+K he spent more than a decade at Apple as Creative Director for Europe, the Middle East & Africa He spent more than a decade at Apple as Creative Director for Europe, the Middle East & Africa where he built a multi-national creative team of designers, writers and strategists based in London, and helped set up Apple's Marcom offices in Dubai, Moscow, Istanbul and Singapore. Dean's team helped launch every iPhone from iPhone 3GS to iPhone 11 and he was responsible for Apple's marketing in 64 countries. He oversaw all work for every product line - iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Apple Music - in broadcast advertising, digital advertising, Apple Retail and apple.com. In his earlier ad life, he was Creative Director on Nike at W+K Shanghai and created famous work for Audi and Levi's at BBH London. His work has won numerous awards at Cannes Lions, D&AD, and the One Show, as well as a Special Jury Prize at the SXSW Film Festival. Dean is a graduate of Harvard University and has made his home in Chicago, San Francisco, London, Shanghai and, now, New Delhi.

Dr. Shreekant Agrawal

Job Titles:
  • Engineering Strategy
Dr. Shreekant Agrawal brings over 35 years of aerospace engineering and management experience including 29 years at the Boeing Company, where he managed and worked on supersonic low-boom research projects and strategic planning for technology development for future products.

John Thomas

Job Titles:
  • Senior Advisor
John Thomas, former CEO of Virgin Australia Airlines and senior advisor to the world's leading airlines, brings to Spike Aerospace his 40+ years of leadership experience in the aviation industry. Prior to Virgin Australia, he was Managing Director of LEK Consulting for 26 years. He now serves on the board of directors of Icelandair and Sky Service. In addition, Mr. Thomas is a Senior Advisor with McKinsey & Company, Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners, Plusgrade and CAPA Centre for Aviation. John Thomas, former CEO of Virgin Australia Airlines and senior advisor to the world's leading airlines, brings to Spike Aerospace his 40+ years of leadership experience in the aviation industry. He also serves on the board of directors of Icelandair and Sky Service (the largest FBO and corporate aviation operator in Canada). In addition, Mr. Thomas is a Senior Advisor with McKinsey & Company, Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners (operator of the Billy Bishop Downtown Toronto Airport terminal), Plusgrade and CAPA Centre for Aviation. Mr. Thomas, a commercial pilot, launched a small regional airline in Australia in the late 70s. He then went on to become senior advisor for over 25 years to many of the world's leading airlines including Delta, United, JetBlue, Alaska, LATAM, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, British Airways, easyJet and Virgin Atlantic. His work included the merger between Delta and Northwest Airlines, the introduction of ancillary revenues to legacy airlines around the world, the successful establishment of JVs between major airlines and the re-configuration of Frequent Flyer programs. In addition, he worked extensively in the B&GA space advising companies including Piper Aircraft, Vistajet, Flexjet, Flight Options, Landmark, Standard Aero, BBA and Signature Flight Support. Most recently he was CEO (and AOC holder/accountable executive) of Virgin Australia Airlines, a $US3bn turnover airline with aircraft ranging from B777-300ERs down to ATR72s. John Thomas now serves as CEO of Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC a corporate jet charter/aircraft management company based in Boston. John Thomas, former CEO Virgin Australia Airlines, Joins Spike Aerospace Executive Team BOSTON, MA, Mon July 27, 2020 - John Thomas, the former Group Executive (CEO) of Virgin Australia Airlines, has joined Spike Aerospace Executive Team, to help introduce the company's supersonic jet to the world's major airlines. "Spike Aerospace's vision for supersonic flight is tremendously compelling and ideally suited for all the major international airlines. The Spike Jet with a low-sonic boom, long range and seating capacity will work well in airline operations. I'm looking forward to helping build relationships with major customers around the globe." said John Thomas.

Katerina Barilov

Job Titles:
  • Finance & Strategy Advisor
Ms. Barilov has extensive experience in aviation, structured asset-backed finance, and corporate strategy. She is also a Managing Director at Shearwater Aero Capital, a private financing company supporting early stage aircraft businesses. Prior to Shearwater, Ms. Barilov was an investment banker at Goldman Sachs' Industrials Group in New York, focused on assisting top tier aviation, aerospace and defense clients. In this role, Ms. Barilov conduced analyses, created materials, and facilitated execution in all phases of the deal process, including pitching, industry research, valuation analysis, deal execution and due diligence for clients in aerospace and aviation. Ms. Barilov has been involved in numerous successful M&A, IPO and Spin-off processes but was focused specifically on private placements for early stage ventures. Prior to Goldman Sachs, she ran the Structured Finance division for Europe Middle East and Africa at Hawker Beechcraft, a leading aerospace manufacturer based out of Wichita Kansas. She joined Hawker Beechcraft as part of a small team of structured finance professionals formed to create a new solution for sales financing support of cross-border aircraft acquisitions. The team designed and launched a Structured Finance department which developed and maintained relationships with third party financiers, structured financing support and conducted credit analysis of potential clients. In her role, Ms. Barilov sourced transactions, developed and maintained a network of 200+ financiers, and structured and arranged complex transactions, liaising between lawyers, insurers, bankers and clients, overseeing due diligence, documentation, and credit processes. She holds an MBA and Bachelors degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. She is an avid pilot with a passion for aerobatic competition with experience in a Pitts S2C. She spends her free time focused on adventure flying in her modified Piper Colt, cycling and running.

Kevin Novak

Job Titles:
  • VP of Flight Safety
Kevin Novak is leading Spike Aerospace's Flight Safety and Training program. In particular, he is developing pilot training programs and flight safety procedures for the Spike S-512. He is a professional aviator and entrepreneur, with over 30 years of experience and 10,000+ hours of flying time. Novak's background includes both military and commercial aviation. As a Naval Aviator and U.S Marine Corps Officer, he flew the AV-8B Harrier II, retiring from the Marine Corps at the rank of Major after 20 years of service. Novak holds an Airline Transport Pilot license and type ratings in multiple aircraft, and has extensive international operating experience in most of the world, including the North Atlantic, Pacific, Asia, Europe, Canada, Middle East, North America and Australia. As President of Mach 3 Composites, which he founded in 2009, Mr. Novak developed the company's product line and managed quality control. Mach 3's carbon-fiber products are sold in over 20 countries worldwide. Novak holds a B.S. in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University.

Maggie Kennedy


Ray Benvenuti

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Senior Executive
  • Aerospace Executive Team
  • Finance and Operations
  • President and CEO of Stellex Aerostructures, Inc
Ray Benvenuti is a senior executive and board member with decades of experience in finance, operations and advisory roles with private equity, aerospace and manufacturing firms. He brings his wealth of knowledge and insight in aerospace, capital raising, deal structuring, negotiations and management to Spike Aerospace. Ray's insights in aerospace companies derives from his professional and educational background including an M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, where he graduated as a Baker Scholar. Ray is also an instrument rated private pilot. Ray founded Concord Investment Partners, an investment and advisory firm focused on making private and public investments in aerospace, automotive and industrial companies. In addition, he serves as an advisor to various private equity firms and hedge funds investing in transportation related and industrial companies. As part of Concord Investment Partners, Ray became President and CEO of Stellex Aerostructures, Inc., a manufacturer of large structural assemblies and components for commercial and military aircraft, where he orchestrated a major turnaround culminating in the sale of the company to GKN, plc. in September 2006. From 2007 to 2018, he served as an Operating Partner, Managing Partner and Senior Advisor to Greenbriar Equity Group, responsible for reviewing and overseeing aerospace and automotive private equity investment opportunities. Before founding Concord Investment Partners, Ray was with Forstmann Little & Co. where he was involved in four large acquisitions and actively helped manage several portfolio companies including Gulfstream Aerospace. Prior to Forstmann Little, he was a senior consultant with McKinsey & Company, where he was responsible for several operational improvement projects for industrial, telecommunications, and aerospace clients. Ray is currently a board member of a number of aerospace and manufacturing firms including The Whitcraft Group, a privately held fabricator of jet engine components and assemblies. Previously, he also served as Chairman and interim CEO of Align Aerospace (a master distributor of aerospace fasteners and Class C hardware), as Chairman of AmSafe Partners (the leading manufacturer of passenger and cargo restraint systems for commercial aerospace use), and as Chairman and Director of EDAC Technologies (a manufacturer of composite and metallic jet engine components). Ray served as an advisor to ABL Space Systems at inception, a startup developing a commercial launch vehicle for small satellites, with plans for first launch in 2021. September 2020 - Spike Aerospace is proud to announce Ray Benvenuti is joining their Executive team with the goal of accelerating the company's expansion and development of the Spike Supersonic Jet. Benvenuti is a senior executive and board member with decades of experience in finance, operations and advisory roles with private equity, aerospace and

Rick Citron

Job Titles:
  • Attorney
  • Business Advisor
Rick Citron, Citron & Deutsch Rick Citron is an attorney, business advisor, entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He has contributed to the success of Spacehab, Inc., a public company which raised over $200M and has provided space station supply and low earth orbit experimental volume on 18 Space Shuttle flights. Citron also worked with Kistler Aerospace Corporation, a privately held company which raised over $660M to develop reuseable aerospace launch vehicles. Mr. Citron has assisted hundreds of companies, utilizing his experience and the synergy of a carefully selected network of professionals. An entrepreneur at heart, he has started dozens of his own businesses. Citron actively assists his clientele in team development, business and financial planning, and capital formation. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Berkeley, 1966, a Master's in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley, 1967, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of California at Los Angeles, 1970.

Russell Chew

Job Titles:
  • Finance and Operations
  • Managing Partner for NEXA Capital Partners
Russell Chew's distinguished career in aviation, technology and investment spans over four decades with executive roles at jetBlue, FAA and American Airlines. He brings his experience and acumen for aviation management, operations, public policy and financial strategy to Spike Aerospace's leadership team. With a distinguished career in aviation, technology and investment that spans over four decades, Mr. Chew brings his experience and acumen for aviation management, operations, public policy and financial strategy to Spike Aerospace's leadership team. As President and COO of JetBlue Airways from 2007 to 2010, Mr. Chew led the successful turnaround that included improving the airline's operating performance of its 650 daily flights utilizing 150 jet aircraft to 55 cities in nine countries, but also refocusing JetBlue's business strategy and completely renewing of its core information systems and technology. Prior to JetBlue, Mr. Chew served as Chief Operating Officer for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As head of the FAA's Air Traffic Organization, Mr. Chew was responsible for the operational and financial performance of the U.S. air traffic control system, as well as the FAA's research and acquisition programs. Through consolidation and modernization, he improved FAA flight services, established performance metrics, improved customer service and implemented financial control at the 35,000 person government organization. Mr. Chew joined the FAA after 18 years with American Airlines, Inc. During his career with American he headed System Operations where he was responsible for performance of the airline's day-to-day operation for 2,300 flights daily to more than 220 domestic and international cities in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. As head of Strategic Operations Planning, he was responsible for the airline's evaluation, acquisition, and implementation of new aircraft and ground technologies for airline fleet and operations planning. He began his career at American Airlines as a first officer before serving as Captain on Boeing 767, 757 and the MD-80. As a Managing Partner for NEXA Capital Partners, Mr. Chew provided investment banking advisory services for small, mid-market and large aerospace technology companies. He recently retired from NanoVapor Inc. as Chairman and CEO, and served on a number of for-profit and non-profit boards including Aireon, Embry-Riddle, Civil Air Navigation Services and others. Mr. Chew attended Stanford University for his undergraduate studies and earned his doctoral degree at the University of Southern California.

Sharief Fahmy

Sharief Fahmy, Global Development, is responsible for developing key relationships with global aerospace partners, customers and government agencies. Fahmy is based in Abu Dhabi. Sharief has served as CEO to family office MGE, as well as CEO and Senior Advisor to Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), one of the world's most accomplished event organizers, delivering world-class aerospace events including the internationally-acclaimed Dubai Airshow. Sharief Fahmy, Global Development, is responsible for developing key relationships with global aerospace partners, customers and government agencies. Fahmy is based in Abu Dhabi, where he previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Middle East General Enterprises (MGE), a family office that provides business and investment solutions to the international business community in an array of specialties including banking and finance, defense, aerospace and healthcare. Sharief has served as CEO and Senior Advisor to Fairs & Exhibitions (F&E), one of the world's most accomplished event organizers, delivering world-class aerospace events including the internationally-acclaimed Dubai Airshow. Mr. Fahmy recently completed a distinguished 23-year public service career, where he served on USAF Base Level tours, Joint Strategic Level tours at the Pentagon, the White House Presidential Airlift "Air Force One," United States Central Command and lastly as a diplomat at the United States Embassy in Abu Dhabi. He is currently serving as Chairman and Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Abu Dhabi, and as a member of the Dubai-based American Business Council (ABC).

Shreekant Agrawall

Job Titles:
  • Executive Advisor
Shreekant Agrawal said "I love Spike's vision for quiet (low-boom) supersonic flight and am very excited to bring my years of aerospace engineering and management experience to bring supersonic flight to the market. They have a very compelling vision that is going to change civilian aviation." Dr. Shreekant Agrawal has over 35 years of aerospace industry experience including 29 years at the Boeing Company, where he had a variety of assignments in functional, program, and technology management. He received recognition as a technical fellow in 1996 from Boeing Research & Technology Flight Sciences organization where he managed and worked on supersonic low-boom research projects and strategic planning for technology development for future products. In one of his many roles, Dr. Agrawal was a leader of Boeing's High-Speed Aerodynamics Technology group and as IPT leader of the NASA/Industry High Speed Research program, he led the aerodynamics, flight controls, stability & control, laminar flow control, propulsion/airframe integration, and sonic boom research efforts. His contributions range from developing and applying advanced aerodynamics/computational analysis and design optimization methods for supersonic commercial transport and hypersonic vehicles. He has also served as the chief operating officer and director of operations for a joint venture in the Boeing Defense Military Aircraft Division. He has 12 publications in the archival journals, over 50 papers in various conferences, and 1 patent on supersonic aircraft design. Shreekant earned a Ph.D. degree from the University of Michigan, an M.S. from the University of Maryland, and a B.Tech. from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; all in aerospace engineering.

Tom Captain

Job Titles:
  • Executive Advisor
  • Retired Vice Chairman of Deloitte Global Aerospace & Defense
Tom Captain, retired Vice Chairman of Deloitte Global Aerospace & Defense group, guides Spike's corporate development, partnerships and strategy efforts. He brings 40 years of experience and connections gained advising aerospace, space, defense and airline companies. Tom Captain spent almost 4 decades advising global commercial aerospace, space, defense and airline companies solving complex product development, manufacturing, supply chain, finance, acquisition, litigation, cost efficiency and business development challenges. He is the retired Vice Chairman of Deloitte LLP, Aerospace & Defense Global Leader, serving its clients for 36 years in Europe, Asia and North America. He testified at the Congressional Aviation Subcommittee on the Deloitte study, "Transforming the Air Transportation System", and testified at the Senate Banking Committee on "Export-Import Bank Reauthorization and Impact on the Space Industry".At Spike Aerospace, he provides guidance and support in new product introduction, supply chain, finance, governance, investor relations, customer and business development activities. He is a frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences, e.g., Aviation Week, SpeedNews, Wharton Aerospace, ISRO, and company board meetings. A recognized expert, he is cited several hundred times in print and on-line media regarding current trends, events and breaking news stories, e.g., WSJ, FT, CNN, Washington Post, Aviation Week, Defense News, Bloomberg, Reuters, New York Times, Handelsblatt, Japan Times, Arabic News, Peoples Daily, Hindustan Times. He has appeared on television and in radio broadcasts with Fox Business News, Defense News Today, and BBC radio. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and was recently named by Defense News to the Top 100 Most Influential People in US Defense.

Vik Kachoria - CEO, Founder, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Founder
  • President
I'm the President & CEO of Spike Aerospace, a pioneering aerospace reintroducing supersonic flight - that promises to be quiet, sustainable and efficient. My background in aerospace, finance and entrepreneurship is helping to expand our world-class team of seasoned professionals, leading aerospace partners and investors. Together, we are designing and will bring to market the Spike S-512 Supersonic Jet. I am the President & CEO of Spike Aerospace, an innovative company focused on the development of supersonic flight. At Spike Aerospace, we aim to revolutionize air travel by making it faster, quieter, sustainable, and efficient. My experience spans aerospace, finance, and entrepreneurship, enabling me to lead a team of experts dedicated to the design and future launch of the Spike S-512 Supersonic Jet.

Wayne Gaulzetti

Wayne Gaulzetti is responsible for developing Spike's testing and certification program to ensure that our aircraft will be approved by regulatory agencies. Wayne recently retired from the Federal Aviation Administration, where he worked in aircraft certification for 25 years. During that time, his projects included aircraft of all categories and from various manufacturers such as Airbus, Sikorsky, British Aerospace, Slingsby, Pilateus, LET, PZL, etc. Mr. Gaulzetti worked with certification offices including Boston and Brussels, and completed a tour with ICAO as consultant / mentor to the Indonesian Aircraft Certification Service in Jakarta and Bandung. Following his time at the FAA, he was Piper Aircraft's Director of Airworthiness Certification and Technical Publications as well as Piper's ODA Administrator to the FAA. Most recently, Gaulzetti consulted for Sikorsky Aircraft on aircraft certification programs.