Airbus Group Appoints François Auque and Thomas d’Halluin To Lead Venture Capital Activities

Summary

• Auque is Chairman of the Board of the fund’s General Partner entity and leads European venture investments.
• d’Halluin is CEO of the fund’s U.S. management company and leads U.S. venture investments for Airbus Group’s “Airbus Ventures” activities.

Airbus Group (stock exchange symbol: AIR) has appointed François Auque and Thomas d’Halluin to lead the European and U.S. venture investment activities, respectively, of its “Airbus Ventures” initiative. Auque previously served as Executive Vice-President of Space Systems and CEO Airbus Defence and Space France and d’Halluin was COO of Airbus Ventures activities since they began. Today’s appointments are effective immediately.

“We trust that the Airbus Ventures activities around the world will achieve both a financial and strategic return for Airbus Group. Having a focus on emerging entrepreneurs in our industry keeps us on the front line of new opportunities for both our business and those of our partners,” said Harald Wilhelm, Chief Financial Officer at Airbus Group.

“Airbus Group is constantly seeking to explore new business models and technological trends and Airbus Ventures’ global team ensures that we reach all innovative ecosystems to encourage early-stage entrepreneurs,” said François Auque.

“Innovation and boldness are vital characteristics of Airbus Group and we’re extending that work by identifying, investing in, and inspiring future aerospace pioneers including our initial portfolio companies, Local Motors, Parsable and QCWare,” said Thomas d’Halluin.

Several additional hires have been made in North America and Europe. Maryanna Saenko, based in Silicon Valley, previously led Lux Research’s autonomous systems group. Anabelle Oliveira, based in Paris, is a longtime Airbus Defence and Space employee. Matthieu Repellin, also based in Paris, spent 13 years in the semiconductor industry prior to joining Airbus. Additional recruits will complete the team by the end of 2016.

“Airbus Ventures” refers to the Silicon Valley-headquartered, early-stage investment funds, financed by Airbus Group, that operate with autonomy and trust within the Airbus family of companies. Airbus Group has previously announced its $ 150 million commitment to early-stage, venture capital investments.

About Airbus Group

Airbus Group is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2015, the Group – comprising Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters – generated revenues of € 64.5 billion and employed a workforce of around 136,600.

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