Engineering giant Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR) has appointed Grazia Vittadini as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) on its board of directors. She will be replacing Paul Stein in the first quarter of 2022. Stein has been CTO for nearly 12 years and guided the company through what it calls “one of the most intense R&D periods” of its history. He will continue to contribute as chairman of the Rolls-Royce SMR venture, which specialises in low-cost, low-carbon modular reactors.
Who is Grazia Vittadini?
Vittadini is a trained aerospace engineer. She has spent the last 20 years at Airbus in a number of roles, including CTO. And she was responsible for the firm’s shift toward developing sustainable technologies. Specifically, she drove the focus on electrification and hydrogen-based propulsion, among other things.
In the words of Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East: “She brings with her extensive expertise in the emerging and disruptive technologies that will help us on our journey to net-zero.” Vittadini is set to join the firm on 2 November, where she will be transitioned into the role.
An additional departure from Rolls-Royce
Beyond the switch of CTO, Roll-Royce’s Chief People Officer Harry Holt is also stepping down. The search for his successor is currently well under way. In fact, his replacement is expected to be announced within the next few weeks. After a decade of improving diversity and corporate culture, Holt will depart at the end of 2021. He’s set to become Chief Operating Officer at Vertical Aerospace.
