Ursa Major, a company focused on power transmission technology, announced that industry veteran Dan Jablonsky has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective August 5, 2024. He succeeds Ursa Major founder Joe Laurienti, who has led the company for the past nine years.
“It has been the adventure of a lifetime to found and lead Ursa Major,” said Joe Laurienti. “I can’t express how excited I am for the next phase of the company. In what feels like a very short period of time, we have built a world-class team and foundation focused on solving the hardest problem in aerospace and defense: propulsion. To continue advancing Ursa Major’s work in space, hypersonics, and solid rocket motors, now is the right time for the company to bring in a new leader with the expertise and track record to successfully guide the company into further reaches of scale and impact. I cannot think of a more accomplished or seasoned leader for this mission than Dan.”
Dan Jablonsky brings extensive experience in leading and scaling companies in the aerospace and defense industry. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Maxar Technologies, an aerospace technology company, and led it through its successful acquisition by Advent International. Prior to that, he held various leadership positions at DigitalGlobe. Jablonsky began his career as a surface warfare officer and nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy before working as an attorney at corporate law firms and the SEC.
Jablonsky holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, graduated from the Navy Nuclear Power School and earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law.
“I have followed Ursa Major’s many successes over the past nine years and am confident in the impact that its advanced technology and manufacturing approaches will have on the space and defense communities for years to come,” said Mr. Jablonsky. “I am honored by Joe and the Board’s trust and endorsement, and look forward to working with the team to enhance America’s national security and expand the United States’ critical space and defense infrastructure capabilities.”
Laurienti originally planned to bring Jablonsky on as a consultant to Ursa Major, but quickly realized he was the right candidate to lead and scale the company. After a review, Ursa Major’s board unanimously supported his appointment as CEO.
“Dan is the perfect executive to lead Ursa Major as it fulfills its mission to meet the strategic needs of the United States for leading edge propulsion,” says Gilman Louie, cofounder of Alsop Louie Partners. “I worked with Dan on the board of Maxar and saw him in action building the vision and value of that company.”
Ursa Major is well prepared for growth. In March, the Hadley rocket engine made its successful first flight, numerous new contracts were recently signed and the opening of a new research and development center in Youngstown, Ohio, was announced to accelerate the company’s materials development.
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