AEVEX Announces Leadership Transition; Brian Raduenz to Become Executive Chairman, Roger Wells Appointed Chief Executive Officer

Raduenz will serve as a close advisor to the management team, support Wells’ transition, and advance innovation, partnerships, and the Company’s continued growth

SOLANA BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AEVEX today announced that its current Chief Executive Officer, Brian Raduenz, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, and the Company’s President, Roger Wells, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer. Wells’s appointment reflects the culmination of his planned transition to CEO, which was established when he joined the Company as President in April 2025. This methodical transition plan ensures AEVEX’s continued focus on disciplined execution, customer success, leadership continuity, and global growth.

Founded by Brian Raduenz, AEVEX has grown into a leading U.S. provider of uncrewed systems and mission solutions, continuing to invest in innovation that delivers reliable, effective technology to support customers and partners globally. As the United States advances initiatives to scale autonomous and uncrewed systems, AEVEX is committed to remaining at the forefront of delivering innovative and reliable technologies, serving as a critical enabler of the U.S. Drone Dominance strategy.

Effective 31 October 2025, Raduenz will assume the Executive Chairman role and will:

• Serve as a close advisor to the management team and the Board.
• Support Wells’s transition and onboarding as CEO to ensure continuity across programs, customers, and teams.
• Support the Company’s continued growth and strategic priorities, including innovation, strategic partnerships, disciplined M&A, market development, and global operating readiness.

EXECUTIVE COMMENTARY

“Founding and leading AEVEX as CEO has been the honor of my life,” said Brian Raduenz, incoming Executive Chairman. “I could not be more proud of the team we have built and the impact we have had on our customers’ missions. As the Company has scaled and evolved, now is the perfect time to hand the reins to Roger, a fantastic executive and the ideal leader for AEVEX’s next chapter. In my Executive Chairman role, I will remain actively engaged, advising on strategy, mentoring the leadership team, meeting with customers and partners, and supporting innovation, disciplined growth, and operational excellence.”

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead AEVEX in its next phase of growth,” said Roger Wells, incoming CEO. “AEVEX has accomplished a significant amount over its history and I'm highly optimistic about the opportunities ahead of us. Brian’s continued engagement as Executive Chairman ensures strong continuity for our customers and our people. Together with the leadership team, we will focus on operating excellence, innovation, and disciplined growth globally.”

“The Board is grateful to Brian for his outstanding leadership and is confident that Roger is the right CEO to guide AEVEX through its next chapter,” said Matt Norton (Partner and Head of Technology & Government Services), Brandon Levitan (Managing Director) and Ben Spacapan (Director) as representatives of Madison Dearborn Partners. “This transition positions AEVEX to sustain momentum while advancing our international strategy and long-term objectives.”

About AEVEX

AEVEX supports U.S. and partner nation security objectives by providing comprehensive aviation and technology-based solutions. The company offers a diverse portfolio of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), combat-proven loitering munitions, and multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). These capabilities complement AEVEX’s strengths in custom engineering, manned and unmanned aircraft modification, sensor integration, intelligence analysis, and specialized mission systems. AEVEX is headquartered in Solana Beach, California, with additional facilities in California, Florida, Ohio, and Virginia.