In a significant move for the space industry, Jeff Bezos's aerospace company Blue Origin has appointed a seasoned veteran to lead its new defence-focused division. The Amazon founder personally welcomed the new joinee with a rare post on social media platform X.
A Strategic Hire for National Security Ambitions
Blue Origin announced that Tory Bruno, the former Chief Executive Officer of United Launch Alliance (ULA), is joining the company as the President of its newly created National Security Group. The official announcement was made on X, stating that Bruno will report directly to Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp and will spearhead this strategic new division.
Reposting the announcement, Bruno expressed his enthusiasm, writing, "Excited to join the team." To this, Jeff Bezos replied with a two-word welcome that holds deep meaning for the company: "Welcome, Tory. Gradatim Ferociter!" Bezos's post is considered rare given his infrequent activity on the social media platform.
The Meaning Behind the Motto: 'Step by Step, Ferociously'
For those unfamiliar, "Gradatim Ferociter" is Blue Origin's official Latin motto, which translates to "Step by Step, Ferociously." Jeff Bezos himself explained this philosophy at an event in 2016. He described it as the essential approach to spaceflight, emphasizing that cutting corners creates only an illusion of speed. True progress, according to Bezos, requires meticulous, step-by-step work executed with fierce determination.
Bruno acknowledged Bezos's welcome, replying, "Thanks Jeff. We are going to do important work together. Thank you for your confidence in me." Congratulations also poured in from other space industry leaders, including NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.
A Partnership Over a Decade in the Making
The appointment marks a formalisation of a long-standing professional relationship. Tory Bruno partnered with Blue Origin almost eleven years ago, shortly after taking the helm at ULA in 2014. At that time, he sat beside Jeff Bezos to announce a close collaboration on developing Blue Origin's BE-4 rocket engine.
Bruno brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He led ULA for 11 years, following a distinguished 30-year career at aerospace and defence giant Lockheed Martin. In his statement, Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp highlighted this expertise, saying, "We share a deep belief in supporting our nation with the best technology we can build. Tory brings unmatched experience, and I’m confident he’ll accelerate our ability to deliver on that mission."
This high-profile recruitment signals Blue Origin's serious intent to expand its footprint in the national security space sector, positioning itself as a key player alongside established competitors. The creation of a dedicated National Security Group under Bruno's leadership is a clear step in that ferocious, step-by-step journey.
