Larry Page’s Aviation Venture Pivotal Faces Leadership Change as CEO Steps Down
The head of a flying car startup supported by Larry Page has departed from the company.
Ken Karklin, who served as CEO of Pivotal for more than four years, announced his exit this week, as stated in a press release. The company mentioned that Karklin is “pursuing new endeavors,” but provided no further details regarding his departure from the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) firm.
“Leading Pivotal has been the highlight of my career. Together, we’ve transitioned from the concept of light eVTOL to practical implementation,” Karklin remarked in a statement. “This industry has moved beyond mere prototypes and announcements; it is now functioning in the real world, facing genuine constraints with significant implications for the future of Advanced Air Mobility. As I embark on new ventures, I leave with confidence in the solid foundation we’ve established, which will help advance this industry.”
Mike Ross, an aviation executive who joined Pivotal’s board of directors in November 2025, will temporarily assume Karklin’s role. Karklin did not respond to a request for comments immediately.
Karklin’s exit follows the launch, two years ago, of Pivotal’s Helix aircraft, its inaugural lightweight electric personal vehicle. This single-seat aircraft does not require a pilot’s license for operation and has a starting price of about $200,000.
“Ken’s leadership has been crucial in positioning Pivotal for success over the past four years. Our mission, team, and strategic roadmap will remain unchanged during this transition,” Ross stated. “It has been a privilege to work alongside Ken as a Board member, observing Pivotal’s dedicated focus on safety, engineering, and accessibility in the realization of electric VTOL flight. I am eager to collaborate with the team as we work towards launching our fourth-generation Helix aircraft.”
Pivotal has also invested significant efforts into creating an aircraft known as BlackFly, designed for military and first-responder applications. Just last month, BlackFly was deployed for an emergency situation in North Carolina, reportedly outpacing an ambulance arriving simultaneously by 20 minutes. The company claims that BlackFly has completed over 10,000 flights to date.
Pivotal is among several firms selected for the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program, aimed at enhancing the testing capabilities for these types of aircraft across the nation.
