Bret Johnsen

CFO, Space Exploration Technologies
Irvine, California,United States
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Who Is Bret Johnsen?

Total Experience30 years
CompanySpace Exploration Technologies
CountryUnited States

Bret Johnsen is a distinguished financial executive with extensive experience in leading high-growth technology and aerospace companies. He currently serves as the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Joby Aviation, a leading company in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Before joining Joby in late 2023, Bret had a landmark tenure as the CFO of SpaceX for over a decade (2011-2023). During his time at SpaceX, he was pivotal in steering the company through a period of unprecedented growth, overseeing financial strategy, capital raises, and the financial management of groundbreaking projects like Starlink and the Starship program. His earlier career includes 12 years at Broadcom, where he held various senior finance and accounting positions, providing him with a robust foundation in corporate finance within the semiconductor industry.

How Did Bret Johnsen's Career Path Shape Their Journey?

Bret Johnsen's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Space Exploration Technologies - CFO(2011 to Present)
Mindspeed Technologies, Inc. - CFO(2008 to 2011)
Broadcom - VP/Corporate Controller(1999 to 2008)
Coopers & Lybrand - Auditor(1991 to 1995)

What Are Bret Johnsen's Key Achievements?

Architecting SpaceX's Financial Ascent

As CFO from 2011 to 2023, Bret Johnsen was instrumental in managing SpaceX's finances during its most transformative period. He successfully oversaw massive fundraising rounds, managed the financial strategy for capital-intensive projects like Starlink and Starship, and helped grow the company's valuation to over $150 billion.

Pioneering the Future of Air Mobility

In 2023, he took on the dual role of President and CFO at Joby Aviation, a leader in the eVTOL aircraft sector. His appointment signals a critical phase of financial leadership as the company moves towards commercialization and scaled production of its innovative air taxis.

Foundational Tech Finance Leadership

During his 12-year tenure at Broadcom, he rose through senior finance roles, culminating as Corporate Controller. This period provided him with a deep foundation in managing the financial complexities of a large, publicly-traded semiconductor and technology company, preparing him for future leadership roles.

What's Bret Johnsen's Educational Background?

Master's degree, Finance, General

San Diego State University-California State University

Bachelor of Science (BS), Accounting

University of Southern California

Buying Intent Signals for Bret Johnsen

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Company Overview

Space Exploration Technologies
Total employees13000
HeadquartersHawthorne
Founded2002

Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer, space transportation services, and satellite communications company. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches the world's most advanced rockets and spacecraft. The company is renowned for developing the Falcon launch vehicle family and the Dragon spacecraft family, which deliver payloads and astronauts into Earth orbit. A primary goal of SpaceX is to reduce space transportation costs to enable the colonization of Mars. Additionally, SpaceX operates the Starlink satellite constellation, providing high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe.

Space Exploration Technologies Funding Information
Unknown - Total Funding Raised
$750M - Most recent funding amount
55 - Number of funding rounds
Jan 8, 2024 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Founders Fund
Google
Fidelity Investments
Baillie Gifford
Sequoia Capital
Valor Equity Partners
Gigafund

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