TechCrunch has discovered that Hyundai’s electric air taxi venture, Supernal, is experiencing a broader leadership overhaul just weeks after halting its vehicle development and seeing both its CEO and CTO depart.
The company confirmed on Friday that both Jaeyong Song, who served as chief strategy officer, and Tracy Lamb, the chief safety officer, have exited Supernal. Additionally, Lina Yang, who was chief of staff to the recently resigned CEO Jaiwon Shin, has also left. (Yang previously held the position of “Head of Intelligent Systems” at Supernal until April 2025.)
“During this leadership transition, we have taken the chance to carefully evaluate our program’s status and future direction to make sure we stay aligned with our long-term vision,” the company said in a statement provided to TechCrunch.
Supernal emphasized that Hyundai Motor Group, its parent company, “continues to be deeply invested in its AAM [advanced air mobility] initiative.”
Song’s exit stands out, as he previously spent three years as vice president of Hyundai’s AAM division before stepping into the chief strategy officer position at Supernal in 2023. (Supernal was established as a separate entity from AAM in 2021.) Song has been part of the Hyundai-Kia group since 2014. Lamb, on the other hand, brings extensive experience as a commercial pilot and safety leader within the aerospace sector. Song did not immediately reply to a request for comment, while Lamb declined to comment.
Supernal has faced significant challenges this year. As previously reported by TechCrunch, the company abruptly closed its new Washington, D.C. headquarters at the end of 2024. Although Supernal managed its inaugural test flight in March, it proceeded to lay off dozens of staff members just a few months afterward. By September, the company had initiated a leadership shake-up and suspended its air taxi project.
These developments come at a pivotal time for the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing sector. Some companies are attracting funding and forging new alliances in anticipation of upcoming commercial launches—especially as U.S. regulations become more supportive—while others are shutting down operations.
