MARK XAVIER

Mark Xavier

CEO/Managing Director at V-TOL Aerospace

Mark is a highly experienced business development executive and investor who focuses on how robotic, advanced sensor, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) technology can make people more productive while solving real-world problems of global potential. He currently leads a team of software & aeronautical engineers & specialist instructional staff over four (4) organisations.

Mark was first introduced to advanced unmanned & sensor technology in 1990’s while serving as an Australian Intelligence Officer in the ADF. A graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon, he was initially assigned to airborne operations and was the first in his class to be promoted to Captain. Mark has served overseas, with Special Forces, and has commanded a mixed Army, Navy, AFP, Australian Customs, QLD Police and a RAAF Surveillance Group. This group conducted off-shore cross boarder surveillance & interdiction operations. This operation, covering an area of 350km², resulted in the tracking & capture of persons of interest & the denial of further illegal contraband & illegal border crossings in that location.

Mark worked as a J2 planning officer on DJFHQ, the Headquarters responsible for the Timor INTERFET operation, just prior to retiring from the Army to pursue his business interests. Mark graduated from the University of Queensland with an MBA (Executive) in 1999.

Mark is a founding Director of V-TOL Aerospace Pty Ltd (V-TOL https://v-tol.com/) incorporated in 2005 to design, develop and operate drone technology (CASA ReOC0074), the Australian Unmanned Systems Academy Pty Ltd (AUSA https://unmannedsystems.edu.au/) incorporated in 2009 to design, develop and deliver CASA approved drone pilot training (RTO 45260), and Ariel Care Pty Ltd (https://ariel.care/) incorporated as a JV with SDA Smart Homes in 2022 to design and develop AI and IoT driven communication and client management solutions in the growing high & aged care sectors. Another initiative in Energy robotics, sensors & IoT see: (https://digitaltwin.energy/) where V-TOL is revolutionising people safety. These companies have achieved world firsts in the use & applications and operations of robotic technology.

Mark counts global NGOs, the World Bank, the Japanese Government & Hitachi, ASX 200 companies including BHP & Rio-Tinto, Australian Local Councils (LGQA), State (Department of the Premier) and Federal Government (DFAT & ADF) agencies on his list of clients. V-TOL is currently contracted by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to design, develop and manufacture a new generation solar drone for high altitude long endurance operations with possible dual use. See:

(https://www.lis.energy/portfolio/australian-tech-companies-team-up-to-build-high-altitude-drones/)

Mark served three (3) years as an industry co-chair on the CASA UASSC Air Operations Working Group 2 that assisted industry in the initial development of the RPAS 101 Manual of Standards 2019.