Chris Spagnoletti named Ursa Major CEO
Ursa Major Technologies Inc., located in Berthoud, Colorado, USA, has appointed Chris Spagnoletti as its Chief Executive Officer.
Spagnoletti brings more than thirty years of experience developing and delivering critical systems for military and commercial aircraft, with leadership roles spanning engineering, operations, and business development. Since joining Ursa Major in 2022, most recently as President of Liquid Systems, he has advanced the company’s hypersonic and space programmes.
Ursa Major uses metal Additive Manufacturing to develop and manufacture its rocket engines.
“Over the past four years, Ursa Major has evolved from a startup into a trusted name in aerospace and defence,” stated Spagnoletti. “We’ve flown hypersonic systems multiple times, designed and built the Draper engine and our first all-up round, and launched modernised solid rocket motor and in-space propulsion businesses. Leading this team through many of these milestones has been a defining chapter of my career. I have deep confidence in our people and in what we’re building. I’m honoured to serve as CEO as we continue delivering critical capabilities to our customers at speed and scale.”
Prior to Ursa Major, Spagnoletti served as president of US Cargo Systems, a TransDigm aerospace business, where he led teams delivering aerospace solutions across defence and commercial markets. His career has primarily centred on aligning technical expertise with operational excellence to bolster profitability and sustainable growth.
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“After thoughtful consideration, the Board unanimously agreed to promote Chris Spagnoletti as the next CEO of Ursa Major,” said Dr Ron Sugar, a member of Ursa Major’s Board of Directors, and former CEO of Northrop Grumman. “Chris has already demonstrated the kind of leadership Ursa Major needs in the company’s next phase of growth. Chris has been central to advancing our hypersonic and liquid programmes while building the operational rigour required to scale. This transition ensures continuity in strategy and accelerates the momentum already underway across the company.”
Lior Susan, founding partner of Eclipse, added, “Promoting Chris to CEO marks a defining moment for Ursa Major. He’s the kind of leader who builds fast, can scale complex products, and delivers when it matters most. Ursa Major is building the propulsion backbone America’s defence industrial base urgently needs. Under Chris’s leadership, the team will move much faster, manufacture at scale, and push the boundaries of next-generation aerospace and national security technology.”
Spagnoletti succeeds Dan Jablonsky, who is departing after leading a period of significant growth and technical achievement, including the company’s best year on record. Ursa Major thanks Dan for his leadership and contributions and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
