TOYOTA, Japan, September 25, 2024 – SkyDrive Inc. (“SkyDrive”), a leading eVTOL (*1) aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, today announced the appointment of Soki OMAE, co-founder and representative partner of DRONE FUND Inc. to the company’s Outside Director. In addition, the company appointed Takeshi MORINAGA, who has a wealth of experience at auditing firms, starting with Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC (formally ShinNihon LLC) as External Auditor.
Soki OMAE has rich business and management knowledge since he is a co-founder of DRONE FUND Inc., the first Japanese venture capital firm that invests in startups related to drone air mobility. His experience as an outside director of several drone startup companies will also accelerate the sustainable growth of SkyDrive’s eVTOL and Drone services.
Takeshi MORINAGA brings many years of experience in auditing, including in the manufacturing industry, having worked for Ernst & Young ShinNihon LLC (formally ShinNihon LLC). In recent years, in addition to his audit role, he has also provided advisory services such as governance and strategy support and will provide advice primarily on accounting, taxation, and internal control.
Comments from Soki OMAE
“I am honored and feel determined to have been appointed as an outside director of SkyDrive. DRONE FUND participated in the second fund as the first investor for SkyDrive. As a person who has been involved in the drone and air mobility field for over 7 years, I have been deeply committed to the growth and development of this industry. Utilizing knowledge as a startup executive and a co-founder of DRONE FUND, I am committed to make SkyDrive’s eVTOLs a reality while balancing technological innovation and safety”
Comments from Takeshi MORINAGA
“I am proud to be a part of SkyDrive, which is making significant progress towards building social infrastructure for the near future. I would like to contribute my skills from my experience in auditing and consulting to SkyDrive’s mission – Taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution”
Retirement Announcement
Shintaro Takahashi, Chief Public Policy Officer of DRONE FUND, who has served as an outside director since 2018, has retired at the end of his term.
Editor’s Note:
(*1) “eVTOL” is an abbreviation for electric vertical takeoff and landing. eVTOL aircraft are characterized by electrification, a fully autonomous autopilot, and vertical takeoff and landing. It is also called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) or Urban Air Mobility (UAM).
Contact:
Public Relations
SkyDrive Inc.
Email: info@skydrive.co.jp