With regret we announce that Kenneth E. Miller, a respected and trusted advisor to Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd since 2017, passed away on 17th August 2021. Ken provided strategic advice that informed and shaped our approach to bringing Airlander’s unique capabilities into the US Department of Defense and other key defence customers.
Ken immediately connected with our vision for Airlander and from our first meeting on he was insightful, supportive and thoughtful of the challenges and opportunities involved. Through our time working together he was unfailingly generous with his time, resources and contacts. He became a great friend to the company, to me personally, and Ken was a strong advocate for the value of Airlander in protecting and saving lives. The impact of Ken’s advice can be seen in recent successes such as the CRADA agreed with the US Naval Postgraduate School, and will continue to be seen in anticipated developments over the next few years.
Tom Grundy CEO, Hybrid Air Vehicles
Walt Kreitler, HAV’s lead for US business development, has known and worked with Ken over many years.
Ken has occupied some of the most senior roles in the Department of Defense, yet he was unfailingly courteous, had a great sense of humour and went out of his way to mentor and support others.
Walt Kreitler HAV US
In 1969, Kenneth E. Miller entered Mississippi State University. He was a member of the first group of African-Americans to be admitted to MSU. He became the second African American to graduate from MSU’s Aerospace Engineering programme. As he modestly acknowledged, he is still considered to be a Black Pioneer at MSU.
The education that Ken received in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at MSU prepared him for his extraordinary career in military aviation. He retired as one of the highest ranking civilians in the Defense Department. Ken then became a globally recognised Defense and Aerospace Strategist and trusted advisor, it is in this capacity that he provided great support and advice to Hybrid Air Vehicles.
Ken’s intelligence, leadership skills, and quiet demeanor allowed him to work across the board to laser in on creative, and often ground-breaking solutions, to difficult and complex issues. He earned and enjoyed the deep respect and admiration of peers, colleagues, and leadership in both government and industry.
The full obituary for Kenneth E. Miller can be found here.
