Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRLN) has unveiled its newly formed board of directors following its public listing, bringing together senior leaders from government, aerospace, and major technology companies as it pushes ahead in autonomous flight.
The aerospace and defense technology firm confirmed the board composition after completing its business combination with Inflection Point Acquisition Corp. IV and beginning trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on March 17, 2026.
The seven-member board includes founder and CEO Matt George as chairman, alongside six independent directors under Nasdaq rules.
“Each of our directors brings a distinct and complementary perspective, from serving as Secretary of the Navy to taking transformative technology companies public to leading some of the most complex aerospace programs in the world,” said George. “Building a board of this caliber reflects our commitment to operating with the governance standards and strategic depth that our mission requires, and we are a better, stronger company for having their counsel as we execute on our vision for autonomous flight.”
Among the key appointments, Michael Blitzer has been named Lead Independent Director. Blitzer, chairman and CEO of Inflection Point Fund I, has overseen multiple public listings across aerospace, defense, and infrastructure sectors and currently serves on the boards of USA Rare Earth and Intuitive Machines.
The board also includes Kenneth Braithwaite, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and retired Rear Admiral, who brings decades of military and diplomatic experience, including service as U.S. Ambassador to Norway.
Kelyn Brannon, Amazon’s first Chief Accounting Officer, joins with extensive financial leadership experience, having also served as CFO at several technology firms and led multiple IPOs.
Michael Montelongo, former U.S. Air Force Assistant Secretary for Financial Management and Comptroller, adds expertise in public sector finance and governance, alongside his current role as CEO of GRC Advisory Services.
Former Blue Origin CEO Dr. Robert H. Smith also joins the board, contributing deep aerospace and engineering experience following senior roles at Honeywell Aerospace and other space-focused organizations.
Carolyn Trabuco, co-founder of Brazilian airline Azul and a veteran investor in aerospace and industrial sectors, rounds out the board, bringing more than two decades of experience in capital markets and advisory roles.
Merlin, which develops autonomous flight systems for both military and civilian aircraft, said the board appointments reflect its focus on scaling operations and strengthening governance as it expands its presence in the aerospace sector.
The company’s Merlin Pilot system has already been deployed across a range of aircraft and mission types, supported by more than $100 million in awarded military contracts, as it aims to advance autonomous aviation capabilities globally.