David E. Brody is a distinguished attorney and aerospace innovator with over 50 years of experience spanning the oil and gas industry, law, and aerospace technology development. His career reflects an exceptional blend of legal acumen, entrepreneurial leadership, and cutting-edge technological innovation, particularly in the development of advanced aircraft.
David’s legal career began in 1974 at Lohf & Barnhill, LLP, and over the course of 47 year as a partner and Senior Counsel with Hogan Lovells US LLP and Patton Boggs LLP, he built a reputation as a leading expert in oil and gas law. His legal experience includes representing prominent corporations such as BP Amoco, Exxon, Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Anadarko Petroleum, and American Honda Motor Company. His practice focused on complex upstream and midstream oil and gas transactions, including exploration and production operations, gas gathering and transportation, leasing, farmouts, joint ventures, and regulatory work. David’s contributions to the oil and gas industry extended beyond the United States, as he worked on international projects in countries such as Hungary, South Africa, and Australia, representing clients in high-profile energy deals and large-scale oil and gas developments.
In addition to his legal career, David’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for aerospace technology led him to found two groundbreaking companies in the aerospace industry. In 2005, he founded AVX Aircraft Company, an aerospace engineering design firm and U.S. defense contractor based in Fort Worth, Texas. Under his leadership as Chairman until 2013, AVX developed an advanced technology helicopter with coaxial rotors and rear propulsion, leading to the company’s participation in multi-billion-dollar military aircraft programs between 2012 and 2020. He continues to serve on the AVX Board and its Compensation Committee.
In 2014, David founded XTI Aircraft Company, a pioneering company developing the revolutionary TriFan 600, the first civilian fixed-wing long-range vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) airplane. As Chairman of XTI’s Board from its inception until the company’s merger and its public listing in 2024 as XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA), David was instrumental in the initial configuration and development of the aircraft, including securing patents for its innovative technology. He remains an active board member at XTI Aerospace, serving as Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of both the Audit and Governance Committees.
David’s contributions to the aerospace industry have resulted in approximately 25 U.S. and international patents, many of which focus on core aircraft technology. His expertise in researching new technologies and patent preparation has positioned him as a thought leader in aerospace innovation.
In addition to his corporate achievements, David is a published author. His book The Science Class You Wish You Had: The Seven Greatest Scientific Discoveries in History and the People Who Made Them became a national best seller, translated into ten languages, and was featured as a Book-of-the-Month Club selection. His other publications include Business and Its Legal Environment and The American Legal System, both widely respected in their fields.
David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy, from the University of Colorado, and a Juris Doctorate from American University’s Washington College of Law. His professional memberships include the Colorado Oil & Gas Association, the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, the Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, and the National Business Aviation Association. He has also served as President and Board Member of the Colorado Authors League and is actively involved in the Anti-Defamation League.
Currently residing in Greenwood Village, Colorado, David enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, skiing, basketball, and tennis. He is passionate about making valuable contributions to organizations through his leadership and extensive experience, and he is actively seeking new board opportunities with public companies in the aerospace or oil and gas industries.
Character:
David E. Brody exemplifies integrity and dedication, consistently striving to add value through his leadership roles across multiple industries. His commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in his legal career, entrepreneurial ventures, and board service.
Knowledge:
With 50 years of experience, David possesses deep expertise in oil and gas law, aerospace technology, and corporate governance. His diverse background includes representing high-profile clients, founding aerospace companies, and securing patents for groundbreaking aircraft technologies.
Strategic:
David has a proven track record of guiding organizations through complex challenges, from leading major legal transactions to developing advanced aerospace technologies. His ability to align business strategy with technological innovation has made him a trusted leader in both the legal and aerospace sectors.
Communication:
A skilled communicator, David has successfully presented on oil and gas law and aerospace innovations, and has authored a best-selling book on science and technology. His clear, effective communication enables him to engage with diverse audiences, from corporate boards to global clients.