ValiantCEO Interview
William Irby · CEO, EagleNXT
Other · Innovation / AI / Tech
In this exclusive interview, readers are introduced to William Irby, the dynamic CEO of EagleNXT, whose extensive background in unmanned systems and leadership in the defense sector positions him at the forefront of innovation in aerial intelligence. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a wealth of experience from industry giants like Northrop Grumman and L3Harris, Irby has transformed EagleNXT from its roots in precision agriculture to a full-spectrum provider of cutting-edge drone technologies, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven solutions in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Tell us about yourself and your company.
I’m Bill Irby, CEO of EagleNXT. I’m a U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a master’s in technical management from Johns Hopkins and executive education from Harvard. Before joining EagleNXT I spent more than 25 years in senior leadership across uncrewed air and maritime systems, ISR, communications, and related hardware, with roles at Northrop Grumman, as SVP/GM of Unmanned Systems at Textron Systems, President of Reconnaissance Mission Systems at L3Harris (a roughly $1.5 billion portfolio), and other positions including leading the former Martin UAV business through its acquisition by Shield AI. Earlier in my career, I was a combat engineer in the Marine Corps. I also currently serve as Chairman Emeritus of AUVSI and remain involved with boards focused on counter-UAS, robotics and propulsion.
EagleNXT (NYSE: UAVS) is a full-stack provider of high-performance drones, advanced sensors, counter-UAS systems, and software that deliver aerial intelligence. We started in 2010 focused on fixed-wing platforms for precision agriculture and have evolved into solutions trusted across defense, government, public safety, agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, with more than one million flights globally. Our platforms have earned key milestones such as Blue UAS listing, FAA approvals for Operations Over People and Beyond Visual Line of Sight, and EASA certification. We’ve rebranded from AgEagle to EagleNXT to reflect our broader mission: protecting what matters most; lives, land, and the pursuit of peace. Recently, we’ve opened a new U.S. headquarters and production site in Allen, Texas, while continuing Swiss design and manufacturing, expanded into counter-UAS capabilities through our Joint Venture with Israel-based Third Eye Systems, and made strategic investments to broaden our portfolio with complementary platforms.
EagleNXT (NYSE: UAVS) is a full-stack provider of high-performance drones, advanced sensors, counter-UAS systems, and software that deliver aerial intelligence. We started in 2010 focused on fixed-wing platforms for precision agriculture and have evolved into solutions trusted across defense, government, public safety, agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring, with more than one million flights globally. Our platforms have earned key milestones such as Blue UAS listing, FAA approvals for Operations Over People and Beyond Visual Line of Sight, and EASA certification. We’ve rebranded from AgEagle to EagleNXT to reflect our broader mission: protecting what matters most; lives, land, and the pursuit of peace. Recently, we’ve opened a new U.S. headquarters and production site in Allen, Texas, while continuing Swiss design and manufacturing, expanded into counter-UAS capabilities through our Joint Venture with Israel-based Third Eye Systems, and made strategic investments to broaden our portfolio with complementary platforms.
What is one lesson or piece of advice you would share with other leaders or founders?
Stay relentlessly focused on the mission and the end user while building operational reliability and technical excellence. In this industry, technology alone is not enough. Businesses must deliver systems that work under real-world constraints, adapt to rapidly advancing technology, scale manufacturing thoughtfully (especially domestic capacity when national security is involved), and maintain financial discipline so you can execute against growing opportunities. Partnerships and targeted investments often move faster than trying to build everything from scratch. Surround yourself with a team committed to innovation and integrity, listen to customer feedback, and keep adapting without losing sight of the company’s core strengths. People matter most!
“Stay relentlessly focused on the mission and the end user while building operational reliability and technical excellence.”
— William Irby, EagleNXT
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Read the full interview with William Irby including all questions and answers.
This interview was originally published on ValiantCEO — a business publication featuring founders, executives, and operators (DR 71). Interview conducted by Jed Morley, CEO of PlatPay.
