Benjamin van der Hilst to Focus on Expanding Drone Technology and Nationwide Networks
Avy, a company known for its aerial drone networks designed for emergency services, has named Benjamin van der Hilst as its new CEO. Van der Hilst assumes the role following the leadership of Avy founder Patrique Zaman, who will continue as a board member. Van der Hilst’s appointment signals a strategic shift toward scaling operations and enhancing drone technology.
Strategic Leadership Transition
Benjamin van der Hilst has been part of Avy’s journey since its early stages. Joining the company in 2017, a year after its founding, he served as Chief Product Officer (CPO) and played a significant role in building the company’s reputation. His career spans over 15 years in technology and innovation, with roles at Capgemini, BoP Innovation Center, and Avy. His educational background includes a master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management.
Van der Hilst expressed excitement about his new role, saying, “My goal is to build on the success and solid foundation we have established as a team over the past years. Together, we will continue to drive market development and advance drone technology. I am grateful for the trust Patrique, the investors and the team have placed in me and am eager to further champion our mission and values.”
Zaman emphasized the importance of appointing an internal leader to maintain Avy’s unique approach, stating, “We made a deliberate choice to appoint a CEO from within the company. This ensures we retain our specialised knowledge and preserve Avy’s culture of innovation. To enter this next phase, Avy needs a different type of leadership, and we’ve found that in Benjamin.”
Expanding Avy’s Drone Networks
Avy designs autonomous drone aircraft and aerial networks to address critical needs in emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. Its drones are tailored for operations requiring rapid deployment, such as search-and-rescue missions and maritime emergencies.
What sets Avy’s drones apart is their hybrid design, which combines the capabilities of a conventional drone with those of an aircraft. This allows for higher speeds and longer distances compared to traditional drones. Built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain and high winds, Avy’s drones are equipped with parachutes for safe use over populated areas. They also recharge autonomously in docking stations, ensuring readiness for immediate deployment.
In collaboration with partners like the Port of Rotterdam, Avy has demonstrated the value of its technology in emergency response and automated inspections. The company plans to scale its drone networks further, ensuring its drones are accessible for critical missions worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As CEO, van der Hilst will lead Avy into its next growth phase, focusing on expanding nationwide networks and advancing drone capabilities. Zaman will shift his focus to product development and promoting Avy’s technology on a global scale.
“Starting a company is different from scaling one,” said Zaman. “I’m excited to refocus on what I love most: product development and showcasing Avy’s capabilities on a global scale.”
For more information about Avy and its innovative drone solutions, visit Avy’s website.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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