kids encyclopedia robot

Grazia Vittadini facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Grazia Vittadini
Web Summit 2018 - Auto-Tech TalkRobot- Day 3, November 8 HM1 9773 (30841025847).jpg
Grazia Vittadini (2018)
Born 1969
Nationality Italian, German
Alma mater Polytechnic University of Milan
Occupation Chief technology officer
Employer Rolls-Royce

Grazia Vittadini is an amazing Italian-German expert in aerospace. She was born in Milan, Italy, in 1969. She is known for her important roles in big aviation companies. From 2018 to 2021, she was the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Airbus. Since November 2021, she has been the CTO at Rolls-Royce Holdings, a company famous for aircraft engines.

Early Life and Learning

Grazia Vittadini grew up in both Italy and the United States. From a young age, she was very interested in airplanes and motorcycles. She went to the Polytechnic University of Milan to study aeronautical engineering. This means she learned how to design and build aircraft, focusing on how air moves around them (aerodynamics). She even has a private pilot's license, which means she can fly small planes herself!

A Career in Aviation

Grazia Vittadini started her career working on the Eurofighter, a type of fighter jet. In 2002, she joined Airbus Operations in Germany. There, she held many important jobs.

Working on Big Planes

She was a Chief Engineer for the wings of the A380, which is one of the world's largest passenger planes. She also played a key role in making sure the A350 XWB aircraft could fly for the first time and get its official certification. This means she helped make sure it was safe and ready for use.

Leading Technology at Airbus

In May 2018, Grazia Vittadini became the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Airbus. As CTO, she was in charge of all the technical development for the entire company. She focused on creating new technologies to replace old, fossil-fuel-powered engines. Her goal was to make flying more environmentally friendly, using things like hybrid and electric engines.

She also supported using artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing in aerospace. These advanced technologies help solve complex problems in aircraft design and operation.

Moving to Rolls-Royce

After 19 years at Airbus, Grazia Vittadini left in 2021. In November 2021, she became the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Rolls-Royce Holdings. At Rolls-Royce, she works on making their current products even better. She also focuses on making aviation more sustainable and reducing carbon emissions.

Rolls-Royce is exploring ways to make gas turbine technologies more efficient. They are also looking into using hydrogen and electrical propulsion for future aircraft. Her work helps make sure that not just airplanes, but also other power systems from Rolls-Royce, are part of a cleaner energy future.

Awards and Other Roles

Grazia Vittadini has received many honors for her work. In 2017, she was awarded the French "Légion d'honneur", which is a very high award in France. In 2018, she was named "Woman of the Year in Business" by a French magazine.

She also serves on the boards of other important companies and organizations. For example, she is a member of the Supervisory Board of Siemens AG. She also advises the German Centre for Mobility of the Future. She has an honorary doctorate in Engineering and Technology from Cranfield University in the UK. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering, which are groups that recognize top engineers.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Grazia Vittadini para niños

kids search engine
Grazia Vittadini Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.