The outgoing operations chief of Virgin Orbit Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:VORB) issued a heartfelt, but albeit angry, apology to staff on Tuesday, as he appeared to largely lay the blame for the company’s failure on boss Dan Hart.
“You deserved better than this,” Tony Gingiss told staff in the farewell email, “you simply did not have the leadership or opportunity to demonstrate to the world what you can fully do".
Virgin Orbit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this week, receiving a US$31.6mln financing commitment from founder Richard Branson to allow operations to continue as it seeks a buyer.
It had laid off 85% of its staff last week, after failing to secure much-needed investment following its unsuccessful rocket launch attempt from Cornwall in January, which ultimately sent it spiralling.
Hart had laid the blame on the failed launch in the company’s bankruptcy forms, writing it “gave rise to negative publicity and further challenges in identifying a buyer”.
Gingiss appeared to place the responsibility on Hart though, writing: “I want to say something to you, that you have not heard from the person who should be saying it, so I will … I’m sorry and I apologise.
"We ended up where we are despite my best efforts."