Leadership Update at Montana Aerospace
Continuity, Transition, and Focus on the Future
Montana Aerospace is entering the next phase of its development with a clear leadership setup and strong expertise at the top:
Following the strategic shift from a formerly diversified company—with activities spanning the Segments Energy, E-Mobility, and Aerostructures—Montana Aerospace has successfully transformed into a pure aerospace company this year. This strategic realignment is now also reflected in changes within the company’s management structure.
Patrick Maurer (left) has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Montana Aerospace Group, following a structured and orderly handover from the formerly Co-CEO & CFO Michael Pistauer (right) who is transitioning into the Board of Directors, where he will increasingly focus on strategic matters for the Montana Aerospace Group.
Michael Pistauer
As former Co-CEO and CFO, with responsibility for the former Energy and E-Mobility segments, which were divested as part of the portfolio transformation into a pure aerospace company, he now supports the company in his new role as a member of the Board of Directors.
“When founding Montana Aerospace, our vision was to build a mission-critical, worldwide top supplier for the aerospace industry. A company which is a partner for our customers and a home for all employees. There is still a lot to do, and the journey will never end — but I think we did quite well in the last years. We can be proud of what was achieved and should be curious on new tasks to come. I will stay with the company — in a slightly different role. But I wish Patrick and all other colleagues of Montana Aerospace to have everyday the strong will to achieve something big!”
- Michael Pistauer
MONTANA AEROSPACE GROUP MANAGEMENT
Kai Arndt (right), who previously served as Co-CEO, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will be responsible for the next phase of the company's development and, in particular, will steer the strategic direction and further development of the group.
Our Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Vicky Welvaert (center) will also continue to play a central role in shaping our human resources and communications strategy, as well as in the areas of ESG. Our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Patrick Maurer (left) will assume responsibility for the Group’s financial management and, with his expertise, will make a significant contribution to the company’s sustainable development and financial stability.
Together, our new leadership team reflects stability, experience, and a clear focus on the long-term development of Montana Aerospace.
Patrick Maurer has more than 15 years of international finance experience and holds a Master’s degree from the Vienna University of Economics and Business as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School. Before becoming CFO of Montana Aerospace AG in early 2026, he served as Group CFO of Asco Industries from 2023 to 2025, following his role as Finance Director at Montana Aerospace AG from 2022 to 2023. Earlier in his career, he worked in management consulting and held senior finance roles in industry, gaining additional experience in private equity.
In conversation with Patrick Maurer
As Patrick takes on his role as CFO at Montana Aerospace, he shares his perspective on Aerospace, long-term value creation, and the priorities that will shape the company going forward.
What does Aerospace mean to you—personally and professionally?
Personally, I greatly enjoy that the aerospace industry gives us the possibility to connect with and see the world. Professionally, I enjoy that our products are found in virtually every commercial aircraft and that our industry has a strong and prosperous future. Montana Aerospace—and all of us—can benefit from this positive industry outlook if we focus on the right priorities.
What will be important to you in strengthening our aerospace focus and supporting long-term value creation?
As Montana Aerospace, we will need to ensure that we are treated fairly by the OEMs and major suppliers and get compensated for all the changes and delays they cause. To support long-term value creation, I see three topics as essential: contract management with customers and suppliers, cash-flow management through profitable products and functioning working-capital processes, and people development.
How do you see your role as CFO contributing to the future development of Montana Aerospace, and what will be important to you in this role?
Together with the local and central (finance) teams, we will contribute to the above value drivers to further improve Montana Aerospace’s profitability and cash-flows. In addition, I see my role as ensuring that our core processes run smoothly and efficiently, and that our overall set‑up remains cost‑effective.
A Personal Message from Patrick Maurer
I am pleased to reach out to you for the first time in my new role. The aerospace industry continues to offer a strong and promising future, and Montana Aerospace is well positioned to play an active role in shaping it. Our progress in recent years has been driven by your dedication, your expertise in the industrialization and production of aerospace components, and the growing spirit of collaboration across all our locations. Let us continue on this path together. Open and transparent dialogue with you is very important to me. It enables us to identify the best opportunities, act decisively, and take Montana Aerospace to the next level.
Thank you for your daily commitment. I look forward to working together.
Building on Experience, Looking Ahead
On behalf of the entire Montana Aerospace team, we would like to sincerely thank Michael Pistauer for the trusting and successful collaboration over the past years. At the same time, we warmly welcome Patrick Maurer in his new role as Chief Financial Officer of Montana Aerospace and wish him, as well as Kai Arndt in his role as sole CEO of Montana Aerospace, continued success.