Innovative Rocket Technologies Inc. (iRocket) has named Kelyn Brannon as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 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.
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. 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.
“At a time when rapid access to space is becoming increasingly critical, iRocket’s technology and approach to reinventing launch is extremely promising,. 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.” — Kelyn Brannon, CFO, iRocket
“The iRocket board of directors and I are pleased to welcome Kelyn Brannon as our new CFO. Her financial acumen, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence will drive our company’s financial success and inspire confidence.” — Asad Malik, Founder and CEO, iRocket
