Aerovel Appoints Ricky Knowles as Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing
June 15, 2023
BINGEN, WA, June, 15th, 2023 — Aerovel, a leading provider of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ricky Knowles as the company’s new Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing. As a Naval Academy graduate who served ten years with the US Navy, and nine years at Insitu (A Boeing Company), Knowles brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership experience to the Aerovel team.
As Aerovel’s Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing, Knowles will play a pivotal role in overseeing and optimizing the production facilities, supply chain management, and quality control processes. His strategic vision and operational acumen will contribute to streamlining operations, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality UAV systems, and meeting the increasing demand for Aerovel’s cutting-edge technologies.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ricky Knowles to the Aerovel team,” said Ali Dian, CEO at Aerovel. “His deep understanding of aerospace manufacturing and his proven ability to implement efficient processes will be instrumental in strengthening our operational capabilities and driving Aerovel’s growth in the industry.”
Knowles joins Aerovel with a remarkable track record of success in the aerospace and UAV industry, bringing nearly a decade of progressive experience in Group 2 and 3 UAV from Insitu. Beginning his tenure at Insitu as ScanEagle Program Manager, and concluding it as Vice President of Business Operations, Knowles lead a portfolio of acquisition, sustainment, production and development projects, both domestically and internationally.
Prior to Insitu, Knowles served ten years as a Naval Aviator flying over 1,500 hours in the EP-3 and P-3C aircraft. As a Pilot and Mission Commander, he conducted Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the Middle East, Europe and Western Pacific. Prior to leaving the Navy, he was a Secretary Joint Staff (SJS) Officer where he earned the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for his service to the 4-star Command Group.
Knowles expressed his excitement about joining Aerovel, stating, “I am honored to join Aerovel and contribute to the advancement of their industry-leading unmanned aerial vehicle solutions. I look forward to working with the talented team at Aerovel and leveraging our collective expertise to deliver exceptional products and services to our customers.”
This strategic appointment aligns with Aerovel’s commitment to attracting top talent and fostering innovation in the unmanned aviation sector. With Ricky Knowles at the helm of operations and manufacturing, Aerovel is positioned to accelerate its position as a global leader in the development and delivery of high-performance UAV systems.
