Latitude Appoints Aurélie Bressollette as CEO to Lead Growth Toward First Rocket Launch
Aurélie Bressollette to steer Latitude through pivotal growth phase as company aims for first rocket launch in 2025
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Bressollette brings extensive industry experience as Latitude sets its sights on the Zephyr rocket’s first orbital launch in late 2025
French launch vehicle startup Latitude has appointed Aurélie Bressollette as its new CEO, effective immediately, as the company prepares for the next crucial phase in its growth. Bressollette, a seasoned industry professional, takes over from co-founder Stanislas Maximin, who transitions to the role of executive chairman. This leadership shift comes as Latitude moves toward its first rocket launch with the Zephyr vehicle, designed to carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms into low Earth orbit.
Bressollette brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as vice president of procurement at Rivada Space Networks, as well as her tenure at Redwire, OHB System, and Airbus. Her background in procurement, space systems, and strategic growth made her an ideal candidate to lead Latitude as it enters its industrialization phase.
Maximin, who founded Latitude, noted that Bressollette’s appointment was crucial to managing the increasing demands of the company as it moves from development to production. Having already transitioned out of key roles such as CFO and chief salesperson, Maximin emphasized the need for a dedicated CEO to lead the company’s day-to-day operations while he focuses on securing funding and strategic partnerships.
In a statement, Bressollette expressed her excitement about leading Latitude during this pivotal time. “Latitude’s transition from early development to a more structured industrial phase is a critical moment in the company’s journey, and I’m eager to help shape the path forward,” she said. “We’ll maintain a focus on efficiency and teamwork as we continue to scale operations while preserving the innovative culture that has been integral to Latitude’s success.”
Latitude’s Zephyr rocket, currently in the test phase, is expected to receive flight hardware soon, with engine hot-fire tests slated for later this year. The company aims to launch its first orbital mission by late 2025. In the meantime, Maximin remains focused on securing additional funding after Latitude’s successful $30 million Series B round in January 2024.
As CEO, Bressollette’s leadership will be crucial to navigating the complexities of production scaling, while Maximin will continue to secure funding and establish key contracts to ensure the company’s long-term success. Together, their collaboration marks a new chapter in Latitude’s mission to revolutionize the small satellite launch industry.
