Satellite Markets and Research Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador spoke with Jack Waters, CEO of network optimization company Xiplink on the history of their company and the prospects and trends in the satellite network optimization market.

Satellite Markets and Research Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador spoke with with Dave Rehbehn, Vice-President, International Division-Hughes Network Systems.  Dave gave an update on Hughes and its offerings and the status of its upcoming Jupiter-3 satellite. He also talked about the key verticals that will be driving demand for their services post-pandemic, bridging the digital divide among other topics.

Northrop Grumman Corporation has named Scott Stapp chief technology officer (CTO). Stapp will report to Kathy Warden, chairman, chief executive officer and president and will work closely with the executive leadership team.

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT) names Adi Sfadia as Gilat’s CEO. Adi Sfadia served as Gilat’s interim CEO since July 2nd this year and prior to that held the position of Gilat’s CFO, for the past 5 years.

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) has today announced the appointment of Hernan Abbes as Vice President, Global Sales. In his new role, Abbes will play a pivotal leadership role in driving business growth and nurturing strong relationships with new and existing airline customers.

Satellite Markets and Research Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador spoke with Dan Zajicek, the new CEO of satellite operator Spacecom based in Israel.  Dan spoke about Spacecom's historic participation for the first time at CABSAT, the premiere satellite event in the Middle East, how his company is coping with the pandemic and their offerings for the African satellite market, among others. 

Satellite Executive Briefing spoke with Ali Al-Kuwari, President and CEO of Qatar-based satellite operator Es’hailSat. Mr. Al-Kumari has had several leadership position in major companies for over 20 years. Prior to joining Es’hailSat, Mr. Al-Kuwari was Assistant Secretary General at ict Qatar. He also held the position of Finance Director at ict Qatar and was a member of the organization’s management team overseeing the strategic investment in the satellite initiative which became Es’hailSat. Mr. Al Kuwari has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Master’s degree in Financial Analysis. He joined ict Qatar in 2004 following senior financial positions with Ras Gas and the Ministry of Finance. Excerpts of the interview follows: 

To shed light on the developemnts and tends in the defense market, Satellite Mrkets and Research spoke with Koen Willems, Head of International Government and Defense Strategy-ST Engineering iDirect.  Excerpts of the interview follows:

An NSR report released last month estimates the Machine to Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) via satellite market to reach US $12.4 Billion from 2019-2029 with small satellites driving growth. Alan Crisp, NSR Senior Analyst and report lead author stated lower price points will unleash unaddressed use cases. Higher volumes will likewise lead to higher ARPUs, changing the overall demand dynamics of numerous verticals. “That is not to say that MSS and VSAT offerings will lose their competitive edge or role in the marketplace.

Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) today announced that Viasat’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Dankberg has become Executive Chairman of the company, a new position. He is continuing in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Viasat, Inc. The company’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Rick Baldridge, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer.

These executive changes went into effect on November 3, 2020.