Prior to assuming the post of CFO at Lockheed Martin, Possenriede served as VP of Finance and Programme Management for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.
Rocket Lab has announced the appointment of Kenneth (Ken) Possenriede to its Board of Directors. Possenriede, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in business and finance, joins Rocket Lab after a 35-year career at Lockheed Martin Corporation, where he held various financial leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Speaking about the appointment, Sir Peter Beck, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Rocket Lab, said: “Kens deep aerospace and defence industry experience, combined with accomplished financial leadership, adds even more horsepower to Rocket Labs already impressive board line-up. Were building the space company of the future here an end-to-end space company that truly unleashes the potential of space as the next industrial revolution in human history. Ken played a key role in the growth and success of the traditional space model. Now were excited to have him help us build the future.”
Possenriede added: “Rocket Lab has quickly but strategically risen to the ranks of global space leader and Im incredibly excited to join the formidable team behind this. From the success of Electron as the worlds leading small launcher, and the impressive growth of Rocket Labs extensive space systems business, to the impressive progress on Neutron, Ive long admired Rocket Labs ability to execute and shake up the industry by overdelivering and outperforming. I look forward to supporting this trajectory as the company executes on the vision to be the leading end-to-end space company.”
Possenriede brings deep expertise in capital markets, customer relationships and scaling businesses to Rocket Lab. At Lockheed Martin, he served in multiple key roles, including Vice President of Finance and Programme Management for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, where he oversaw financial management, programme management processes, accounting, contracts, and business management. He also served as Vice President and Treasurer for Lockheed Martin Corporation, managing global treasury operations, foreign exchange, capital markets, and risk management. Additionally, Possenriede held the position of Vice President of Finance for Lockheed Martins Electronic Systems organisation, overseeing all financial and contractual processes for the business unit.
Possenriede holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree in economics from Rutgers University. He also serves as an advisor to the Rutgers Foundation Board of Directors.
