AeroVironment Inc. Announces Chief Operating Officer Appointment and Retirement Transition

AeroVironment Inc. has appointed Robert Smith as its new Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective April 13, 2026. He succeeds Brad Truesdell, who is retiring and will transition to an advisory and then consulting role through April 30, 2026, and May 1, 2026, respectively, to ensure a smooth handover. Dr. Smith brings extensive experience from previous executive roles at Raytheon Company, Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions, BWX Technologies, Inc., and Lockheed Martin Corp. His compensation package includes an annual base salary of $550,000, a target bonus of $440,000 for fiscal year 2027, a $350,000 sign-on bonus (repayable under certain conditions), and significant equity awards totaling $1,450,000 in restricted stock and performance-restricted stock units, vesting over three years. Concurrently, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Truesdell, effective May 1, 2026, for up to 26 months at $200 per hour, allowing for continued vesting of his outstanding restricted stock awards. Mr. Truesdell will also receive his fiscal year 2026 bonus.