Brannon brings decades of experience, including three IPOs, to company that is transforming how launch vehicles are powered with clean, sustainable propellant and 24-hour reusability
New Hyde Park, NY – Nov. 6, 2023 — Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) announced today that it has named Kelyn Brannon as its new Chief Financial Officer. Brannon, who was previously CFO of Astra Space and the original head of finance at Amazon, is also a member of the iRocket board of directors. She brings decades of experience in corporate finance and previously led three companies through successful IPOs.
iRocket is developing a new launcher that addresses the space and satellite industry’s need for faster, more frequent, and less costly access to space. Bringing Brannon on board as CFO helps the company maintain its fiscal responsibility as it fulfills its commitments to the U.S. Department of Defense, with a rocket engine that is powered by clean sustainable propellant and ready for reuse within 24 hours.
“At a time when rapid access to space is becoming increasingly critical, iRocket’s technology and approach to reinventing launch is extremely promising,” said Kelyn Brannon. “I’m at a point in my career where I can be particularly selective about the companies I support. I’m inspired by the iRocket value proposition and expect it will transform how the U.S. and our allies approach national security and emergency response.”
In June of this year, iRocket announced that it signed a TACFI contract with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) to further develop its rocket engine, and in early August, building on this momentum, the company announced a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) West. The CRADA provides iRocket with resources, expertise and site facility support to conduct propulsion, stage, and grasshopper testing at the High Thrust Research Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, one of only four stands in the United States capable of 10 million pounds of thrust.
In addition to Amazon and Astra Space, Brannon has been CFO of other leading enterprises, including Calypso Technology, Calix, and Arista Networks. While serving as CFO of Arista Networks, she successfully led a $4 billion accelerated IPO process, reduced worldwide tax liability by three percent through reorganization efforts, and helped nearly double the company’s revenue run-rate to more than $700 million, all while managing personnel growth from 500 to over 1200 individuals worldwide. Brannon also held senior finance positions at Sun Microsystems, Lexmark International, and Ernst & Young, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
“The iRocket board of directors and I are pleased to welcome Kelyn Brannon as our new CFO,” said Asad Malik, Founder and CEO of iRocket. “Her financial acumen, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence will drive our company’s financial success and inspire confidence.”
About iRocket
iRocket is revolutionizing the space industry as the first fully autonomous and 100% reusable rocket manufacturer. Backed by some on the world’s amazing investors, iRocket’s mission is to make access to space affordable and help close the “digital divide” by building the next generation of rockets focused on reusability 2.0 that will help transport thousands of small satellites to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), that will shape the future of autonomous vehicles, Telemedicine, 5G High-Speed Internet, The Internet of things (IoT), National Security and online education. Utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing and additive manufacturing technology, we’re dedicated to providing reliable and rapid access to space at a low cost. Our innovative design addresses the inefficiencies in the industry, while our proprietary reusable engine technology positions us as the leading small launch service provider. Join us on our journey to bring rocketry into the 21st century.
For more about iRocket, visit us at www.irocketusa.com and follow us on LinkedIn @iRocket Twitter at @iRocketUSA @innovasad