Steve Vellacott

Steve Vellacott is a seasoned aerospace professional with extensive experience in airworthiness, design, and engineering leadership. Currently serving as VP Airworthiness and Head of Design Organisation at Vertical Aerospace since July 2025, Vellacott previously held key roles at Lilium, including Chief Technology Officer and Chief Engineer, where responsibilities encompassed the design and EASA certification of an eVTOL vehicle. Prior to Lilium, Vellacott was the Chief Airworthiness Engineer at Calidus, overseeing airworthiness and certification processes. Vellacott's long tenure at Leonardo included positions such as Chief Project Engineer for the AW101, where management of a large technical team was required, and Chief Structural Engineer for Lynx and Apache Aircraft. Vellacott holds a Technician Education Council Higher Certificate in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from University Centre Yeovil.