William J Weber
William J. Weber, also known simply as Bill, has established himself as a prominent CEO and a mergers and acquisitions expert. His career has unfolded over more than three decades in Washington, DC. His professional path is defined by significant leadership roles within high-growth technology sectors, where he has tackled some of the most complex challenges in the industry.
His leadership role as CEO at Firefly Aerospace was particularly notable. He was central to the company’s mission to deliver comprehensive space transportation solutions, catering to a diverse clientele engaged in space-related enterprises.
Bill Weber: The Early Years
Bill hails from St. Louis, Missouri. He pursued his initial higher education at Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Science. He later attended the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, where he graduated from the Executive Program, gaining insights that would later bolster his executive leadership capabilities.
His service record includes a tenure as an airborne ranger in the US Army, where he achieved the rank of captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his valor during Operation Desert Storm, a testament to his dedication and bravery.
Professional accomplishments
From 2011 to 2024, Bill held CEO positions across multiple companies, emphasizing his role as a seasoned leader within the corporate sphere. His extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions includes successfully concluding over a dozen deals and leading four major liquidity events.
He has been influential in raising more than $2.5 billion through various equity and debt financing initiatives across five companies, showcasing his financial expertise and leadership in capital development.
Moreover, Bill is noted for his mentorship, guiding over 20 team professionals to reach C-level positions in defense, intelligence, and aerospace technology.
Bill Weber, CEO: Career history
Bill’s career over the last three decades has encompassed a variety of critical executive roles. From 2011 to 2015, he was at the helm of XLA, Inc. in Washington, D.C., where he played a significant role in strategic decision-making and operational management.
He also served as president, CEO, and director of KeyW Corporation from 2015 to 2019. This company, with over 2000 employees and revenues exceeding $500 million, specializes in cyber operations and delivers cutting-edge data analytics and geospatial intelligence solutions to a wide range of clients in the US.
His tenure at KeyW Corporation saw a successful merger with Jacobs Engineering Group, showcasing his adeptness at overseeing significant corporate transitions.
Since 2019, he has been the managing principal of WJW Advisors, LLC, where he leads efforts on multiple mergers and acquisitions strategies across various industries.
Bill also established and managed First Light Acquisition Group (FLAG) from 2020 to 2022, a unique purpose acquisition company that completed a notable $230M public raise by September 2021. His leadership was crucial in steering the company through a successful deSPAC transaction in late 2023.
His most recent executive role was at Firefly Aerospace in Austin, Texas, from 2022 to 2024, where he served as CEO and Director, overseeing all the company’s strategic, financial, and operational aspects.
Personal details
Outside his professional achievements, William J. Weber is deeply invested in advocating for veterans’ rights, motivated by his military experiences. He serves as vice chair on the board of Americas Warrior Partnership, an organization dedicated to using advanced technology to eliminate veteran suicide.
In his time, Bill enjoys sports and various outdoor activities such as backpacking, canoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. He deeply values the time spent with his family and friends, balancing his professional life with personal enjoyment and relaxation.