
BIO
Neil Zeller serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Future Flight Global (FFG), where he directs the financial strategy, capital management, and operational planning that underpin the company’s rapid ascent in the emerging advanced air mobility (AAM) marketplace. With a career shaped by roles in corporate finance, private equity, and strategic advisory services, Neil brings a depth of knowledge that extends across traditional aviation, mobility technology, and sustainable energy sectors. This broad-based expertise allows him to anticipate market shifts, mitigate risk, and position FFG at the leading edge of a transformative era in global air transportation.
Before joining FFG, Neil founded the Directional Group, a strategic and financial advisory firm dedicated to guiding venture-backed and closely held enterprises through periods of rapid growth and change. There, he provided tailored financial operations support, developed metrics-driven reporting frameworks, and implemented rigorous controls that improved transparency, accountability, and long-term profitability. His flexible engagement model—ranging from project-based assignments to interim leadership roles—empowered clients to secure growth capital, optimize their business models, and navigate complex mergers and acquisitions. This hands-on approach, focused on delivering tangible results, established Neil as a trusted partner for executives looking to unlock new market opportunities and drive sustainable expansion.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Neil lends his expertise to external boards and advisory roles, amplifying his influence across industries that share a common thread of innovation and environmental stewardship. As an Advisory Board Member at Cyclic Materials, a venture recognized by Cleantech Group as a 2024 Early-Stage Company of the Year, Neil contributes strategic insights that support the recovery of rare earth elements from difficult-to-recycle products. His involvement ensures that pioneering solutions in resource recovery can scale effectively and ethically, reaffirming his commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Neil’s career foundation was built through a series of impactful roles in investment banking, energy funds, and corporate advisory work. At The Seabury Group and Vrolyk & Company, he honed his valuation techniques, structured deals, and raised capital for a range of enterprises spanning aviation, technology, and consumer services. Earlier experiences at Whiting Turner exposed him to the complexities of managing large-scale engineering projects and high-tech industrial facilities, sharpening his acumen in cost management, scheduling, and vendor oversight. These formative years created a unique skill set that blends financial rigor, strategic foresight, and operational pragmatism—qualities that continue to define his leadership at FFG.
Today, Neil Zeller’s role as CFO at Future Flight Global perfectly aligns his passion for sustainable aviation with his proven track record in financial innovation. His strategic financial models help direct investment toward breakthrough aviation technologies, while his operational oversight ensures that every resource is deployed for maximum impact. In an industry undergoing swift evolution, Neil’s leadership helps Future Flight Global remain agile, forward-looking, and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the next generation of air mobility.
Key Contributions & Achievements
Future Flight Global (CFO)
- Strategic Financial Planning: Designed scalable financial frameworks and forecasting models that support FFG’s ambitious growth targets and investment in advanced aviation assets.
- Capital Management & Allocation: Oversaw funding initiatives that enabled strategic investments in next-generation air mobility technologies, positioning FFG at the forefront of industry innovation.
- Operational Efficiency: Implemented rigorous internal controls, metrics, and reporting systems to ensure transparent financial operations and prudent cost management.
Entrepreneurship & Advisory Roles
- Founder, Directional Group:
- Guided venture-backed and closely held businesses through growth capital fundraising, M&A transactions, and strategic partnerships.
- Developed performance metrics, budgeting systems, and internal controls that improved financial stability and accelerated enterprise value creation.
- Advisory Board Member, Cyclic Materials:
- Contributed financial and strategic insights to support the recovery of rare earth elements, aiding in sustainable resource management and environmental impact reduction.
Diverse Sector Expertise
- Mobility, Energy & Technology: Provided strategic advisory and financial stewardship across various industries, including mobility platforms, clean-tech ventures, engineering firms, and consumer brands.
- M&A and Capital Raising: Executed acquisition searches, due diligence, valuation analyses, and negotiation strategies on behalf of private investors and corporate clients, securing favorable outcomes and long-term growth prospects.
Foundational Roles & Skill Development
- Investment Banking & Private Equity: Developed a strong foundation in valuation, growth capital strategies, and stakeholder negotiations while at The Seabury Group and Vrolyk & Company.
- Engineering & Project Management: Gained early experience in managing complex projects at Whiting Turner, enhancing his ability to evaluate operational feasibility, control costs, and ensure timely execution across technical ventures.
Educational Background & Thought Leadership
- Academic Credentials: Earned an MBA in finance and entrepreneurship from Columbia Business School and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from The Johns Hopkins University, combining analytical rigor with a practical understanding of infrastructure and development.
- Industry Influence: Engaged in advisory and mentoring roles, shaping strategic decision-making, championing sustainable business practices, and fostering an environment where innovation can thrive.