LEadership update Montana Aerospace - September 2026
Montana Aerospace Further Develops Its Leadership Structure:
Executive Chairman and New COO
Over the past few years, we have built a great deal. Now, it is time to unlock the full potential of what we have created. To support this, we are strengthening our leadership: Michael Tojner, founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Montana Aerospace, is taking on the role of Executive Chairman, while Christian Preslmayr joined the Montana Aerospace Group Management as Chief Operating Officer (COO) on September 1, 2026.
New GROUP Management Structure
From Building to Scaling
Over the past few years, Montana Aerospace has invested around EUR 800 million in building a highly vertically integrated production platform. New technologies, additional capacities, and a global industrial presence now form the foundation for our next phase of growth.
And the opportunities are significant: Increasing aircraft production rates in civil aviation, new opportunities in Defense and Space, and the continued development of our global production platform offer considerable growth potential. At the same time, several important strategic projects lie ahead: We are bringing our North American production sites together within one integrated Montana Aersopace North America organization. In Vietnam, we are building a new Asco plant while simultaneously expanding production capacities at UAC Vietnam. We also aim to grow significantly in Defense and Space, with particularly attractive opportunities in Europe and the United States.
The foundation is in place. Now, it is about consistently building on our strengths, seizing new opportunities, and taking Montana Aerospace to the next level.
Clear Strategic Leadership
For this next phase, Montana Aerospace is also further developing its leadership structure. Following Kai Arndt’s resignation as CEO in January, the Board of Directors has appointed Michael Tojner, previously Chairman of the Board, as Executive Chairman of the Board and a member of the Group Management.
What Does This Mean? As Executive Chairman, Michael Tojner combines his position as Chairman of the Board of Directors with an active role in the strategic leadership of the Group and the implementation of key corporate priorities. This will bring strategy and execution even closer together - with clear priorities, efficient decision-making, and greater speed to seize opportunities and consistently advance important projects.
Welcome CHristian
And this is where another important addition to our leadership team comes in: Christian Preslmayr joined Montana Aerospace as our new Chief Operating Officer (COO) on September 1, 2026. As COO, Christian will have a clear mission: to take our industrial platform to the next level. His focus will be on industrialization, automation, and Operational Excellence. Together with our divisions and sites, he will work to further improve processes, make the best possible use of our production structures, and prepare our organization for increasing volumes and continued growth.
This also includes topics that directly affect many of us in our daily work:
Working together more effectively across sites
Simplifying processes and making greater use of automation
Continuously improving quality, productivity, and speed
Sharing and applying best practices and technologies more consistently across the entire Group
Christian will also drive the further development of our global site and production structure, strategic projects, key investment topics, and global procurement. Together with our teams, he will continue to strengthen Operational Excellence and Lean Management.
Meet our new COO
Christian has an important role ahead of him. But who is the person behind the role? We asked Christian what excites him most about his new position, what he is particularly looking forward to – and who he is outside of work.
Update to the Board of Directors
Finally, we would also like to inform you about a change on the Board of Directors: Tom Williams has stepped down from the Board of Directors. Subject to shareholder approval at the next General Meeting, the Board intends to nominate Kai Arndt for election to the Board of Directors. Kai Arndt continues to support the Company as an advisor, contributing his industry and company-specific expertise to support the management with the Investment and Strategy topics, and help with Business Development. Also Michi Pistauer, who is member of the Board, will continue to support with advice on finance and investor related topics.
Why Are We Making These Changes Now?
Because we are entering a new phase filled with major opportunities. Now, it is about making the best possible use of our strong industrial foundation and continuing to grow together. To achieve this, we need clear priorities and strong operational structures—but above all, we need you: your experience, your ideas, and your commitment.
Because we will shape the next phase of Montana Aerospace together!
You can find further details on our website, including the Ad hoc announcement and the press release on the topic.
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