--- title: Press Release: Founder Ryan McDevitt Transitions to CTO, Wesley Grove Steps into CEO Position description: Press Release: Founder Ryan McDevitt Transitions to CTO, COO Wesley Grove Steps into CEO Position image: https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Wes%20and%20Ryan%20Mezzanine-1.jpeg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-leadership-transition-2025#main-content) [![Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark-Logo-ALLWHITE.png?width=160&height=38&name=Benchmark-Logo-ALLWHITE.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/) [![Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png?width=160&height=38&name=Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/) - [Home](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com) - [Products](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products) - [High-Test Peroxide Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products/high-test-peroxide) - [ASCENT Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/ascent) - [Electric Propulsion Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-electric-propulsion) - [Company](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/company) - [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news) - [Careers](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/careers) - [Contact](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/contact-us) - [Home](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com) - [Products](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products) - [High-Test Peroxide Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products/high-test-peroxide) - [ASCENT Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/ascent) - [Electric Propulsion Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-electric-propulsion) - [Company](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/company) - [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news) - [Careers](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/careers) - [Contact](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/contact-us) # Press Release: Founder Ryan McDevitt Transitions to CTO, Wesley Grove Steps into CEO Position - By [Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/author/benchmark-space-systems) - Jun 30, 2025 ### Press Release ## Benchmark Founder Ryan McDevitt Transitions to CTO, COO Wesley Grove Steps into CEO Position ![Wes and Ryan Mezzanine-1](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wes%20and%20Ryan%20Mezzanine-1.jpeg?width=829&height=520&name=Wes%20and%20Ryan%20Mezzanine-1.jpeg) *Grove and McDevitt will continue collaborating closely, leveraging their respective expertise to drive Benchmark’s next era of mobility and mission capability.* Burlington, Vermont – June 30, 2025 – After three years as Chief Operating Officer, Wesley Grove has been appointed Benchmark’s Chief Executive Officer. Grove succeeds Founder, Ryan McDevitt, who moves into the role of Chief Technology Officer to advance Benchmark's technology strategy. *“Having worked alongside Wes for years, I’ve seen firsthand the discipline and clarity he brings to complex operations. He’s exactly the leader we need to meet the evolving demands of the space ecosystem, and it’s my honor to support him in my new role.” -Ryan McDevitt* *“Culture starts with the leader—and Ryan has built a culture of excellence that is tangible. I’m humbled by the trust and energized to guide Benchmark into the future.” -Wesley Grove* Newly appointed CEO Wesley Grove brings a deep commitment to Benchmark’s mission and team-first culture. *“A deciding criterion for me joining Benchmark was the opportunity to work with a talented and collaborative team geared up for audacious challenges,”* said Grove. *“I continue to be inspired by the Benchmark team. I’m humbled by the trust placed in me to guide the ship forward and energized to take Benchmark into its next phase of growth.”* This transition comes as Benchmark closes a new round of funding to accelerate the advancement of our ASCENT-fueled technologies and mission capability solutions. ![Ryan McDevitt in the Lab](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ryan%20in%20Lab.jpeg?height=2000&name=Ryan%20in%20Lab.jpeg) ## Dr. Ryan McDevitt co-founded Benchmark in 2017 based on his doctoral work in micropropulsion and grew the operation from a few engineers to a global company with three worldwide locations. ![Wes at HQ-1-1](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Wes%20at%20HQ-1-1.jpeg?width=652&height=750&name=Wes%20at%20HQ-1-1.jpeg) ## Wesley Grove has led Benchmark’s operations for almost three years and brings over two decades of experience in scaling and optimizing operational capabilities. **About Benchmark Space Systems** Benchmark Space Systems is a leading provider of advanced in-space propulsion and logistics solutions. With a focus on high-performance propulsion technologies, including chemical, electric, and cold gas systems, Benchmark delivers scalable, cost-effective solutions that support a wide range of space missions. The company is dedicated to advancing space infrastructure and ensuring resilient, secure, and sustainable operations for tactically responsive space. Visit BenchmarkSpaceSystems.com for more information. \### [PREVIOUS POST](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/team-spotlight-nick-fanning-mechanical-design-engineer) ![image](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Team%20Member%20Spotlight%20-%20Nick%20Fanning.png) ### Team Spotlight - Nick Fanning, Mechanical Design Engineer [NEXT POST](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/the-exploration-companys-mission-possible-re-entry-complete) ### Benchmark Propulsion Supports The Exploration Company’s Mission Possible: A Meaningful Step Forward in Controlled Re-Entry ![image](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Approved%20TEC%20Clean%20Room%205-1.jpg) [whatsapp://send?text=https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-leadership-transition-2025](whatsapp://send?text=https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-leadership-transition-2025) ### Related Posts [[![](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Propulsion%20system%20production%20at%20Benchmark-1.jpg?width=352&name=Propulsion%20system%20production%20at%20Benchmark-1.jpg)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/post/-benchmark-nearly-triples-team-expands-global-production-capacity-in-2022-to-meet-rising-propulsion-system-demand)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/post/-benchmark-nearly-triples-team-expands-global-production-capacity-in-2022-to-meet-rising-propulsion-system-demand) [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/tag/news) ### [Press Release: Benchmark Space Systems Nearly Triples Team, Expands Global Production Capacity In 2022 to Meet Rising Propulsion System Demand](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/post/-benchmark-nearly-triples-team-expands-global-production-capacity-in-2022-to-meet-rising-propulsion-system-demand) [[![](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_2353-2.jpg?width=352&name=IMG_2353-2.jpg)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/post/xantus-metal-plasma-thruster-completes-4th-round-of-successful-testing-at-nasa-glenn-research-center)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/post/xantus-metal-plasma-thruster-completes-4th-round-of-successful-testing-at-nasa-glenn-research-center) [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/tag/news) ### [Xantus Metal Plasma Thruster Completes Fourth Round of Successful Testing at NASA Glenn Research Center](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/post/xantus-metal-plasma-thruster-completes-4th-round-of-successful-testing-at-nasa-glenn-research-center) [[![Hall Effect Thruster Testing](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TestingPNG.png?width=352&name=TestingPNG.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-benchmark-expands-partnership-network-with-starlight-hall-thruster-to-augment-mission-coverage)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-benchmark-expands-partnership-network-with-starlight-hall-thruster-to-augment-mission-coverage) [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/tag/news) ### [Press Release: Benchmark Expands Partnership Network with Starlight Hall Thruster to Augment Mission Coverage](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-benchmark-expands-partnership-network-with-starlight-hall-thruster-to-augment-mission-coverage) [[![DIB Innovators Podcast Banner](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-09-11%20133205.png?width=352&name=Screenshot%202024-09-11%20133205.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/ceo-ryan-mcdevitt-on-the-dib-innovators-podcast)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/ceo-ryan-mcdevitt-on-the-dib-innovators-podcast) [News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/tag/news) ### [CEO Ryan McDevitt on the DIB Innovators Podcast](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/ceo-ryan-mcdevitt-on-the-dib-innovators-podcast) [![Benchmark Space Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Benchmark-Logo-ALLWHITE.png)](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/) Designing and manufacturing propulsion systems for responsive, sustainable in-space operations. ![US-United-States-Flag-icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/US-United-States-Flag-icon.png?width=40&height=40&name=US-United-States-Flag-icon.png) - [![Benchmark LinkedIn Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/LinkedIn%20Letter%20Only%20white.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/11211483/) - [![Benchmark X Icon](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/X%20Letter%20Only%20white.png)](https://x.com/BenchmarkSpace) ### PRODUCTS [High-Test Peroxide Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products/high-test-peroxide)[ASCENT Monopropellant Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-ascent-monopropellant-systems) [Electric Propulsion Systems](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/products-electric-propulsion-systems) [All Products](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/all-propulsion-products) ### INFORMATION [Careers](https://benchmark-space-systems-inc.breezy.hr/)[News](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news-updates) [Company Info](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/benchmark-space-systems-about) [Supplier T&Cs](https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hubfs/Benchmark%20Space%20Systems%20Standard%20Terms%20and%20Conditions%20April%202026.pdf) 128 LAKESIDE AVE, BLDG 21 | BURLINGTON, VT 05401 USA | ©2026 Benchmark Space Systems | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : [ { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Burlington", "addressRegion" : "VT", "postalCode" : "05401", "streetAddress" : "128 Lakeside Avenue, Building 21" }, { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Pleasanton", "addressRegion" : "CA", "postalCode" : "94566", "streetAddress" : "1075 Serpentine Lane, Unit A" } ], "description" : "Benchmark Space Systems delivers proven in-space propulsion, including High-Test Peroxide systems, ASCENT monopropellant systems, and electric propulsion systems, with 15+ missions launched, less than 12 months concept to delivery, 75+ team members, and 87% of working days spent hotfiring in 2026.", "email" : "Sales@Benchmark-Space.com", "foundingDate" : "2017", "logo" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png", "name" : "Benchmark Space Systems", "numberOfEmployees" : { "@type" : "QuantitativeValue", "minValue" : 75 }, "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/11211483/", "https://x.com/BenchmarkSpace" ], "url" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "NewsArticle", "author" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "Benchmark Space Systems", "url" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com" }, "dateModified" : "2026-06-26", "datePublished" : "2025-06-30", "description" : "Press Release: Founder Ryan McDevitt Transitions to CTO, COO Wesley Grove Steps into CEO Position", "headline" : "Press Release: Founder Ryan McDevitt Transitions to CTO, Wesley Grove Steps into CEO Position", "image" : "https://3901849.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3901849/Wes%20and%20Ryan%20Mezzanine-1.jpeg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-leadership-transition-2025", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Benchmark%20Logo%20Color%20Transparent%20Background.png" }, "name" : "Benchmark Space Systems" }, "url" : "https://www.benchmarkspacesystems.com/news/press-release-leadership-transition-2025" } ```