Meet the Visionaries Behind the Sky
A diverse team of engineers, dreamers, and innovators building the future of mobility.
Chief Executive Officer
Marc Sotelo Soto
Marc Sotelo Soto founded Nile with a bold vision: to merge technology, sustainability, and design in a way that redefines personal mobility. Driven by a lifelong passion for futuristic engineering, he combined his background in startups and product design to imagine a vehicle that wouldn’t just fly—it would inspire. Nile was born from the desire to build something beyond a car: a silent revolution in the skies, powered by AI, clean energy, and iconic aesthetics. His leadership blends creative audacity with a relentless pursuit of safety and precision, guiding a diverse team committed to turning the impossible into reality.
Chief Technology Officer
Luis Echánove Sánchez
Luis Echánove Sánchez brings two decades of real aircraft-building experience to Nile, shaped by a career spanning Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Saab, Dassault, Lilium and Heart Aerospace. An aeronautical engineer specialised in engines, he has led multinational design teams, signed critical structures, overseen final assembly and airworthiness processes, and guided the creation of complete aircraft—from composite fuselages to UAVs built from scratch. In 2023, he founded Lt Goose, formalising years of high-level consulting and mentoring by leading engineering programs for companies such as OTTO, LODD, Lilium and Heart Aerospace, where he directed design, integration and prototype development. Luis blends rigorous technical mastery with a builder’s instinct, turning complex aerostructures into clean, reliable solutions; as CTO, he anchors Nile’s vision in real-world feasibility, safety and engineering excellence.
Chief Operating Officer
Don Fielden
Donald Fielden brings decades of senior leadership across aerospace, cyber operations, and complex government programs to Nile, shaped by a career spanning the United States Air Force and the commercial aerospace sector. With a background in applied physics and computer information systems, he has led large-scale technology programs at the Pentagon, overseeing cyber operations strategy, secure airborne communications, and the deployment of mission-critical systems under strict regulatory and safety constraints. His experience includes delivering complex aerospace communications platforms ahead of schedule and under budget, coordinating cross-functional teams across intelligence, IT, and operational domains, and navigating acquisition, compliance, and exportable systems for allied nations.
As founder of Fielden Aero, the U.S. manufacturer of the Aeropup kit aircraft, Donald brings hands-on experience in light aircraft manufacturing, customer support, and aviation operations—bridging high-level defense programs with practical aircraft delivery. Blending strategic leadership, regulatory discipline, and real-world aviation execution, Donald anchors Nile’s operational strategy in disciplined program management, safety-first thinking, and scalable execution as COO.
Our advisors
Dan Neault
Dan Neault is Strategic Advisor to Nile, bringing senior leadership experience across Imperva, AWS, Microsoft, Samsung, NetApp and Boeing. He advises Nile’s leadership on execution strategy, organisational design, and scaling frameworks—helping translate deep engineering vision into disciplined, market-ready delivery.
Louise Burns
Louise Burns is Marketing Advisor to Nile, bringing senior brand, marketing, and customer experience leadership across luxury and transformation-led organisations. She advises on brand architecture, positioning, and go-to-market strategy—ensuring Nile’s technical depth is expressed through a credible, world-class brand.
In collaboration with…
Cranfield University
Cranfield University is a globally recognised postgraduate university specialising in aerospace, engineering, and applied sciences, with a strong focus on industry-led research and advanced technology development. Renowned for its expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, systems engineering, and flight testing, Cranfield works closely with industry to translate research into real-world applications. At Nile, we collaborate with Cranfield University to support advanced engineering validation, research-driven development, and the advancement of next-generation air mobility solutions.
Aeropup
Aeropup is an international light-aircraft manufacturer known for its robust, modular two-seat airplanes featuring reinforced steel structures and foldable wings. With a global franchise-driven model and a focus on accessible, efficient aviation, Aeropup brings strong expertise in lightweight design and practical flight operations. At Nile, we collaborate with Aeropup to explore structural synergies and future-ready engineering solutions that support the evolution of next-generation air mobility.