Merlin Appoints Michael Baker as Chief Marketing Officer

Veteran marketing executive joins newly public aerospace and defense tech company to lead brand strategy and amplify importance of AI-powered autonomy

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:05pm

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A photorealistic studio still life of a sleek, metallic aircraft propeller floating on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the advanced aerospace technology at the heart of Merlin's autonomous flight systems.Merlin's new Chief Marketing Officer will help amplify the company's story of pioneering autonomous aviation technology for both defense and civil applications.Boston Today

Merlin, Inc., an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system for autonomous flight, has appointed Michael Baker as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Baker joins Merlin as the company enters a new chapter as a publicly traded company, bringing nearly 15 years of experience leading brand, content, and communications programs at high-growth technology companies. At Merlin, he will lead all brand and marketing initiatives as the company scales its Merlin Pilot system across defense and civil aviation programs worldwide.

Why it matters

As Merlin transitions to being a publicly traded company, effectively communicating the company's mission, progress, and long-term vision for autonomous aviation has become critical. Baker's background in brand marketing and journalism, as well as his proven track record of building and scaling high-impact communications programs, will be crucial in helping Merlin amplify its story, strengthen its brand, and expand its presence across both defense and civil aviation at a pivotal moment for the company and the industry.

The details

Baker joins Merlin directly from 3D printing company Formlabs, where he served for nearly six years, most recently as Global Head of Brand and Communications. Prior to Formlabs, Baker served as a marketing director at Lola.com amongst other senior content and communications leadership roles. In his new role at Merlin, Baker will lead all brand and marketing initiatives as the company scales its Merlin Pilot system, an operating system for autonomous flight, across defense and civil aviation programs worldwide.

  • Merlin announced Baker's appointment on March 31, 2026.

The players

Merlin, Inc.

An aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight.

Michael Baker

A veteran marketing executive who has joined Merlin as the company's new Chief Marketing Officer.

Matt George

The CEO and founder of Merlin.

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What they’re saying

“As a newly publicly traded company, clearly communicating our mission, progress, and long term vision for autonomous aviation has never been more important.”

— Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin

“Autonomous flight is one of the most consequential technological transitions of our time, and Merlin is at the center of it. What drew me to Merlin is the same thing I've always been drawn to: technology that has to work in the real world, under real pressure, with real stakes. Merlin is redefining aviation, and I'm excited to help tell that story. My job is to make sure the world understands not just what Merlin builds, but why it matters. We're seeking to build a brand worthy of that ambitious mission.”

— Michael Baker, Chief Marketing Officer of Merlin

What’s next

Merlin will continue to scale its Merlin Pilot system across defense and civil aviation programs worldwide, with Baker leading the company's brand and marketing initiatives as it enters this new phase as a publicly traded company.

The takeaway

Merlin's appointment of a veteran marketing executive like Michael Baker as its new Chief Marketing Officer underscores the importance of effectively communicating the company's mission, progress, and long-term vision for autonomous aviation as it transitions to being a publicly traded entity. Baker's expertise in building high-impact communications programs will be crucial in helping Merlin amplify its story, strengthen its brand, and expand its presence across both defense and civil aviation.