Science-led. Engineering-first. Mission-driven.

Daniel Rosen Jacobson

Co-CEO and Chief Business Officer

Daniel is the Co-Founder and CEO of Elysian Aircraft, Daniel is an experienced founder, investor, and executive with deep expertise in strategy, technology, and aerospace innovation. Before Elysian, he had roles at Google and helped build startup MyCujoo into a global scale up which he led to exit (to Eleven Sports Group, now DAZN) in the media space. He's on the boards of Panta Holdings and Fokker Services Group. Daniel has a passion for music and sport, and is a recreative pilot.

Rob Wolleswinkel

Co-CEO and Chief Technology Officer

Rob was 'bitten by the aviation bug' at very young age. He studied aerospace engineering in Delft and got his glider pilot license during his studies. After the bankruptcy of Fokker Aircraft, he shifted career, but the passion stayed. In 2020, he decided to return to aviation and enjoys that everyday. Beside aviation, he feels a deep passion for cycling, cooking and traveling the world.

Dr. Reynard de Vries

Chief Engineer

Reynard is an aerospace researcher and engineer specializing in hybrid and electric aircraft design. Before joining Elysian, he conducted extensive research on hybrid and electric propulsion as part of his PhD and postdoctoral work at Delft University of Technology, contributing to the EU Clean Sky 2 program. He remains actively involved in the R&D ecosystems for electric aircraft design and technology across Europe and the US, advancing innovation in sustainable aviation.

Johannes Soikkeli

Senior Flight Control Engineer

Johannes is dedicated to the evolution of aviation through smart flight control laws and integrated systems. With a Master’s from Delft University of Technology and extensive experience across the aerospace sector, he specializes in the intersection of flight dynamics and control. Johannes focuses on leveraging advanced control architectures to drive innovation in next-generation aircraft.

Mihnea Ivascu

Senior HR Business Partner

From his role as Senior HR Business Partner, Mihnea is leading the organisational development, shaping how talent is hired, developed, and aligned to Elysian's first-of-a-kind engineering mission. He brings strategic clarity, builder's mindset, knowing that successful companies are built by helping exceptional people do their best work, together. A curious heart with an analytical mind, he is a lifelong nerd for words of wisdom, and loves the idea of flying, even with a fear of heights.

Andrea Giuffré

Team Lead - Propulsion & Energy Storage

Andrea is an aviation and deep tech enthusiast with a background rooted in scientific research, and a strong interest for entrepreneurship and early-stage startups. He is passionate about outdoor sports, especially the ones involving the mountains or the ocean.

Andrew Smyth

Senior Aircraft Performance Engineer

Andrew is an aerospace engineer, with 12 years prior experience at a major OEM working on advanced aero engine development and novel aircraft performance, including hydrogen and hybrid projects. Always curious, he is also a producer and presenter, creating novel engineering formats such as "Baking Impossible" on Netflix and "Bakineering" theatre shows with clients including the European Space Agency and the Royal Academy Of Engineering. He once made a cake for Prince William.

Elsa Janssen

Battery Thesis Graduation

Elsa studied Aerospace Engineering and is pursuing a Master’s in Electrical Engineering. She is driven to make the world a more sustainable place and combines her passion for aviation and energy systems in her thesis on battery design for E9X.

Enrique Barrera

Propulsion Intern

Enrique is TU Delft Propulsion and Power alumni. Experienced in numerical modelling of fluid and thermodynamics for turbomachinery, heat exchanger design and general external aerodynamics in aerospace and motorsport applications. He is passionate about renewable alternatives for propulsion systems.

Fey Layoiye

People & Culture Intern

Fey has a background in communication and media, with a strong passion for people management and meaningful communication. With an international background, she brings a global perspective and enjoys exploring how people connect and collaborate.

Maja Milosev

People & Culture Intern

Maja has a background in occupational health psychology. She believes that when people feel supported and valued, extraordinary things can happen and that's why she is eager to learn more about creating a workplace where people can thrive and are driven by innovation. In her free time she unwinds with video games.

Martijn Breen

CFO

Martijn is a seasoned investment and finance professional with a lifelong passion for aviation, one that started as a kid watching planes from the runway's edge. Before joining Elysian as CFO, he was a private equity investor and began his career in capital advisory. He's drawn to cutting-edge technology and the pace of startup environments. Outside of work, Martijn is an avid wingfoiler and traveller with a weakness for remote places and anything that goes fast.

Matthieu Piquemal

Head of ePowertrain

Matthieu has 24 years of powertrain experience across combustion, electrification, and industrialisation, spanning engineering, programme and production leadership roles in automotive and now airborne applications. Holder of a Commercial Pilot License.

Pieter van de Berg

Aircraft Design Engineer

Pieter works at the intersection of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Typically, he focus on integrating complex aircraft systems into a coherent and feasible overall design, and particularly passionate about landing gear design. Outside of work, Pieter enjoys cycling, sailing, drinks and gardening.

Sebastian Esper

IT Services Engineer

Sebastian serves as an IT Engineer specializing in Data Governance, infrastructure and cybersecurity. With over 15 years of experience, he is passionate about sustainable technologies and loves collaborating to solve complex problems through technology and creativity. Outside the office, Sebastian enjoys gaming and believes that creating sustainable solutions is the key to making the world a better place.

Andras Lukacs

Senior Battery Pack Engineer

Andras is an explorer, he feels the vibes when it comes to newest fields of electrification like aerospace. Particularly building batteries on such a large scale no one has ever built before. He has been creating engineered parts for almost two decades. He loves to use his creativity and practical mind when it comes to building wooden furniture.

Arun Olsen Sivan

Principal Battery Engineer

Arun is an established transportation electrification leader and brings 18+ years of industry experience in automotive and aviation with expertise in battery systems, thermal systems, testing and powertrain controls. He has a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a Master's degree in Product Development from the University of Detroit-Mercy.

David de la Casa Carrera

Head of Structures

David has 25 years of experience in structural design, with previous experience in aircraft electrification projects developments (Heart Aerospace and Lilium). He is a passionate traveler and spends his free time traveling around the world.

Emre Gungor

Flight Physics Intern

Emre is an aerospace engineering student curious to see how aviation could develop and wants to play a part in it. He values continuous self-development and contributing to those around him. He believes that having a positive and an understanding environment is key in working in high-performance settings. He also believes that doing sport is a form of therapy and loves practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu, playing padel and discovering new music from different genres, particularly from the 90s.

Luc van den Avyle

Commercial Director

Luc has an Aerospace Engineering background and pilot on Aircrafts, Hot Air Balloons and Helicopters. He combines a solid aerospace background with strong customer focus and business development skills, including Sales, Strategy and Marketing within the Commercial, Executive & Sustainable Aviation business. So far he says, it’s been an incredible journey in the Aviation & Aerospace industry, one that he wouldn’t trade for anything else - and still enjoying the challenges each day brings.