In a world accustomed to working with two-dimensional maps, Unifly has been helping drone pilots and the enterprise visualize and operate within three-dimensional space since 2015 with their UTM platform. Led by Marc Kegelaers as CEO, the company grew from a small startup to raising over 23 million euro in VC capital and investments. Now that they have reached a new phase in their lifecycle, and are looking to accelerate their growth, they have appointed Leon van de Pas as their new CEO.

This new appointment is a sign that the industry is maturing. As startups grow into established enterprises, they have new requirements and challenges to overcome.  

“When I first came across Unifly three years ago I was struck by the opportunity of “mapping” the low altitude airspace,” said van de Pas. “It is thrilling to see all the solutions built on a two-dimensional map for traditional manned vehicles brought to the third dimension for autonomous vehicles ultimately in real-time. I want to thank Marc Kegelaers for bringing Unifly where it is today, and I am honored to lead the Unifly team through its next growth phase.” 

Van de Pas has degrees in Electrical Engineering and Economics from the Hague University and has held key positions in international companies such as Philips Lighting, Draegerwerk AG, Schlumberger Industries (Gemalto), In-Fusio, Tele Atlas, NNG and HERE Technologies. As VP of Sales and Business Development at HERE Technologies, a disruptive IoT location platform, he partnered with companies like Amazon, Samsung, Garmin, and Facebook, building new value propositions for the technology for indoor mapping, fleet management, supply chain, smart cities, and more. During his time at HERE he transformed it into a mature platform company—something that Unifly is looking to accomplish as well with his appointment.   

“As Unifly’s growth spurt continues within the rapidly evolving UTM-market, we are extremely proud to appoint Leon van de Pas as our new, experienced Chief Executive Officer to guide us to maturity,” stated Filip Tack, Chairman of the Board of Unifly. “His appointment will undoubtedly lead to a further strengthening of the executive management team in its entirety.”