People

Baku, Azerbaijan, March 19, 2025 - Azercosmos, Azerbaijan’s space agency, has announced a leadership transition as Samaddin Asadov steps down as Chair of the Board. Asadov, who played a key role in expanding the agency’s global presence and advancing satellite communications, has been appointed Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan by presidential order.

Washington, DC, March 11, 2025 – The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) has announced the winners of the 2025 SIG Awards at the Satellite show in Washington, D.C. The awards celebrate outstanding and innovative technologies and solutions, as well as exceptional contributions within satcom. This year’s winners are:

New York City, March 12, 2025 – The World Teleport Association (WTA) today established the Government Advisory Board, made up of executives from industry leaders and patrons of the association. The Government Advisory Board will address key challenges, emerging trends and best practices in the government and military market vertical.

New York City, NY, March 6, 2025. - SSPI has appointed Tamara Bond-Williams as Executive Director effective March 1, 2025. In her new role, she will have primary responsibility for the association’s programs, finances, membership growth and governance. She succeeds Executive Director Robert Bell who will become a strategic advisor to the association along with his colleague, Director of Innovation Louis Zacharilla.

New York City, March 5, 2025 – The World Teleport Association has appointed Randall Barney as Executive Director effective March 1, 2025. In his new role, he will have primary responsibility for the association’s programs, finances, membership growth and governance. He succeeds executive director Robert Bell, who will become a strategic advisor to the association along with his colleague, Director of Development Louis Zacharilla.

Renens, Switzerland, March 5, 2025 - SWISSto1, today announced that former SES and O3b Networks CEO, Steve Collar, is joining the Board of Directors of SWISSto12 and will serve as Chairman.

Los Angeles, Calif. March 4, 2025 - Krasimir Terziev and Bobby Kirchev, both highly experienced telecomunications and satellite professionals,  are Co-Founders of Orbital Connect. They are instrumentally involved in the company’s executive team. Krasimir is Director of Business Development while Bobby is Director of Sales. In a relatively short time, they built the company into one of the leading channel partners and authorized distributor of global leading hardware manufacturers. Satellite Executive Briefing Editor-in-Chief Virgil Labrador caught up with Krasimir and Bobby at their company’s Los Angeles, California head office and discussed their company’s capabilities in the goverment and military markets. Excerpts of the interview with Krasimir and Bobby follows:

By Bernardo Schneiderman

Los Angeles, Calif., March 3, 2025--The small/medium satellite launch vehicle market reveals a significant rise in demand for smaller satellites, driving the development of more versatile and cost-effective launch vehicles, increased adoption of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies, growing focus on reusability, and new entrants entering the market with innovative launch solutions.  We invited the major players in the market and the companies that agreed to participate in a virtual executive roundtable include: Robert Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch; Christian Schmierer, CEO  of  Hyimpulse; and Morgan Connaughton, VP-Marketing Communications of Rocket Lab.

By Lou Zacharilla

New York City, NY, March 3, 2025 -  Let’s face it: it’s a cringy time. People are either unhinged or overwhelmed by life in every part of the world globe.  Climate change, vaccine denial, mistrust of government and even the next door neighbor.  The lack of privacy and the Portal in college football have brought the wrecking ball our lives.  I even read that 25% of young adults believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to replace real-life romantic relationships!

Isle of Man, UK, February 27. 2025--River Advisers has appointed Alexis Martin as CEO, effective February 1, 2025.  Formerly the Chief Consulting Officer of River Advisers, Martin brings over twenty years’ experience in supporting regulatory, policy, and spectrum matters across the satellite industry to the role. As part of this transition, former CEO Katherine Gizinski will continue to serve on the River Group Board.