The international satellite industry has confirmed executives to serve on the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) Board of Directors to lead the association as it continues to build greater awareness and use of the applications, services, and technological advantages provided by satellite-based solutions.

NovelSat, a world leader in satellite transmission technology, today announced that Gary Drutin has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of NovelSat and as a member of the Board of Directors of the company. The Board has accepted the request by Itzik Wulkan to be released from his position as CEO, a role he has held since co-founding NovelSat 11 years ago. Wulkan will continue to serve the company as its President, focusing on strategic Business Development and as an observer of the Board of Directors.

The Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council (APSCC) has announced that Dr. Seong Joong Kim, who has led the organization for 8 years, will retire effective April 1, 2019. The industry organization has formed a committee to commence a wide ranging search for a candidate to replace Dr. Kim. This Succession Planning Committee, will review applications, interview candidates and make recommendations to the APSCC Board of Directors.

Founder and Executive Chairman of OneWeb, Greg Wyler, has been named SSPI UK Space & Satellite Personality of the Year. The Board of SSPI UK Chapter voted Mr. Wyler winner of this annual award for his contribution to the UK space and satellite sector and his recognition of the UK as an important space hub, selecting London as a base for his business. The Board also recognizes the work that Mr. Wyler’s OneWeb project is doing to enable broadband access for all.

Aireon announced today that Peter Cabooter has joined the executive team, fulfilling a newly created position, Vice President of Customer Affairs. In this role, Cabooter will lead Aireon’s program to support existing customers around the world and developing new relationships with Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) currently not subscribed to the AireonSM service. 

The Board of Directors of ArianeGroup has endorsed the proposal made by Airbus and Safran and has approved on November 22, 2019, the appointment of Andre-Hubert Roussel, 53, to succeed Alain Charmeau,62, as Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective January 1, 2019.

Airbus Defence and Space has appointed Barbara Bergmeier, 50, as Head of Operations and Member of the Executive Committee, effective 1 December 2018. She succeeds André-Hubert Roussel, 53, who will become Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ArianeGroup, a 50-50 joint venture between Airbus and Safran, effective 1 January 2019.

KVH Industries today announced that Brent Bruun has expanded his responsibilities as chief operating officer, and Mark Woodhead has been named executive vice president of mobile connectivity. 

Peraton has announced the appointment of Alan Stewart as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Kymeta, the communications company making good on the promise of global mobile connectivity, has announced that Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nathan Kundtz will leave his current role with Kymeta next month and will continue in an advisory role to the company going forward.