LOCATIONS
LAND
29 Oct 24. BAE Systems plots £220m transformation to create hundreds of jobs. Defence company BAE Systems is planning to invest £220m to transform its Rochester base into an “advanced technology” factory.
The century-old site, which specialises in aerospace technologies and electronic systems, will be revamped into a “state-of-the-art” 32,000sqm facility.
BAE Systems expects the bigger and “more efficient” factory will create 300 jobs over the next five years on top of the current 1,600 Rochester-based employees.
“Our skilled workforce plays a vital role in delivering products that are of the utmost importance to national security and commercial aviation,” said Dave Banks, BAE Systems’ Rochester business centre director.
“This significant investment will help us attract additional highly skilled jobs to the Medway area – ensuring that we can deliver for our customers who depend on our products to complete their missions,” Banks added.
Advanced aerospace technologies created there include helmet-mounted displays, flight control computers and control sticks for civil and military aircraft worldwide.
The site is also home to the Electronic Systems global support centre, which provides repairs to commercial airliners.
BAE Systems investment is ‘great news’
Councillor Vince Maple, leader of Medway Council, said: “As our largest private sector employer, this is a strong vote of confidence in Medway being a great place for businesses to invest and grow from BAE Systems.
“As well as boosting the local economy, this investment will provide even more skilled employment opportunities for local people, help develop young talent and encourage others to base their businesses here. This is fantastic news for Medway,” he added.
BAE Systems is also injecting £300m into a transformation of its shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow and £200m on upgrading its UK munitions business to satisfy increased demand.
It comes amid a boom for the defence sector, which has benefited from a rising geopolitical temperature and the threat of a Trump presidency withdrawing from Nato.
In August, BAE Systems upgraded its full year guidance and hiked its interim dividend following a bumper half year trading update which saw solid revenue and profit gains thanks to a strong order book. (Source: City AM)
MARITIME
25 Oct 24. SA Navy’s relocation to Richards Bay stuck in limbo. The South African Navy’s (SAN) long-anticipated move from Salisbury Island in Durban Harbour to a new, fully-fledged naval base in Richards Bay is facing delays, leaving uncertainty in its wake.
Despite initial projections of a 2026 completion date, this delay complicates the Navy’s operations, particularly its maritime security efforts along the south and east African coast, a key area of regional security concern.
The rationale behind establishing a naval base in Richards Bay, about 180 km northeast of Durban, dates back to 2011, following a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania. The agreement was part of the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Maritime Security Strategy (MSS), which led to the creation of anti-piracy operations like Operation Copper in the Mozambique Channel. The plan initially included upgrading Naval Station Durban into a full-fledged base.
However, in April 2021, a strategic shift occurred when President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Durban and received updates from Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) on the port’s expansion plans. Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the Navy, explained then that “The briefing indicated SAN Naval Base Durban will have to relocate from Salisbury Island to achieve the TNPA master plan.”
This relocation is essential for TNPA’s ambitious expansion of Durban as a strategic hub port, focusing on container and automotive capacity. The development also supports Richards Bay’s growing infrastructure, including a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.
Lobese outlined the SAN’s strategic requirements for the new base in Richards Bay, including essential infrastructure like antenna and fuel farms to bulk rations, material and armament depots, maintenance support (to C level including repair), dry docking and synchrolift as well as waterfront services, messes, a “Navy village”, general base support capabilities, military medical facilities and services. Other must haves are aviation, diving, firefighting and small boat jetty facilities, with ceremonial and recreational facilities also on the list.
Richards Bay’s deep-water harbour makes it an ideal candidate for the new naval base. While plans are in place for Richards Bay to host the new base, the reality on the ground is that the site remains undeveloped as funding for the relocation remains a significant obstacle. Despite assurances from TNPA and collaboration between the Navy and port authorities, the required funding and construction have not yet begun.
This financial uncertainty has placed the SA Navy in a difficult position. While Transnet is eager to move forward with its Durban port expansion, the Navy cannot abandon its current base without the necessary infrastructure in place at Richards Bay.
In his recent speech ahead of the Navy Festival in Simon’s Town earlier this month, Lobese provided insight into the relocation’s current status: “As this move was requested from us by Transnet National Ports Authority in order to fund their Port expansion in Durban, we agreed to their request, provided that TNPA builds us a fully-fledged Naval Base in Richards Bay, as well as another Naval Station in Durban.”
“Until such a time as TNPA or National Treasury can fund this construction, the SA Navy will not be in the financial position to move away from our base in Salisbury Island in Durban,” he stated.
Lobese also remarked that there are “infrastructure challenges” in Durban that must be address in the short to medium term and that the Navy was “hoping that clarity on this matter will be received shortly.”
The TNPA had optimistically declared in February 2023 that the relocation project was “moving full steam ahead.” The move is expected to cost over R9 bn and is part of over 30 mega-projects under the KwaZulu-Natal Logistics Hub Programme.
Yet, without a clear timeline for the availability of funds, Lobese noted that the Navy is hesitant to commit resources to upgrading infrastructure at the current Durban site.
Lobese emphasized the impact of this uncertainty, saying, “Not knowing if we will still make use of this base in the next few years makes it difficult to commit funding to improving the base infrastructure in Durban.”
As a stop-gap, Naval Station Durban will continue to serve as the home port for the patrol squadron, which includes the new multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPV) SAS King Sekhukhune I (P1571) and SAS King Shaka Zulu (P1572). The fleet is expected to grow with the addition of the third and final MMIPV (SAS Adam Kok) by the end of this year.
While the Navy awaits progress on the new base, it will have to navigate the uncertain waters of infrastructure funding and operational continuity at its current base. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
31 Oct 24. Recruitment Rises 12.5% Despite Ongoing Challenges. The Defense Department’s armed services branches recruited 12.5% more people in fiscal year 2024 than in the year prior despite a challenging and disinterested recruiting market. While speaking at a multiservice panel on 2025 recruiting issues at the Pentagon earlier this week, Director of Military Accession Policy Katie Helland said that the services increased the number of recruits from 200,000 in FY 2023 to 225,000 in FY 2024, which ended September 30.
Additionally, she said, the services had a 35% increase in written contracts, and the active components’ delayed entry program started FY 2025 with a 10% larger pool.
” and the services will continue to build off the momentum that we’ve gained in 2024,” Helland said.
“Nevertheless,” she continued, “we need to remain cautiously optimistic about the future recruiting operations as we continue to recruit in a market that has low youth propensity to serve, limited familiarity with military opportunities, a competitive labor market and a declining eligibility among young adults.”
Helland elaborated on those challenges by explaining that, for the first time since the metric has been tracked, most young people have never considered the option of serving in the military.
The reasons behind that are multifold, Helland said. Young Americans have fewer ties to friends or family members who have served in the military. There is a declining presence of veterans in our society. Approximately 77% of people between the ages of 17 and 24 require some type of waiver to serve due to any number of disqualifications.
To counter such challenges, Helland said the military has implemented a medical pilot program that allows recruits to join the military without a waiver for numerous health conditions — provided they meet certain requirements. Additionally, there are service member prep courses that prepare recruits to meet the strenuous requirements of military service. Moreover, DOD is seeking to reconnect with youth and their influencers by showing them the value of serving.
“The next generation of Americans to serve should know that there has never been a better time for them to choose military service,” Helland said.
“Youth today seek a larger purpose in their lives and desire jobs where they have greater participation in decision-making and can create a direct tangible impact,” she continued. “Military service offers all of this.”
Explaining that U.S. military service offers more than 250 occupations and that it represents one of the most highly educated organizations throughout the world and across all pay grades, Helland said the Defense Department is working hard to counter the narrative that joining the military is an alternative to attending college or “an option of last resort.”
“We are working to reframe this narrative so that Americans understand that military service is a pathway to greater education and career opportunities while defending democracy and the freedoms we hold dear,” Helland said.
She added that DOD is reframing this narrative. For example, the department’s Joint Advertising Market Research and Studies program will soon launch a campaign to build familiarity with the American public about the value of military service. Plans are also proceeding to have adult influencers advocate for military service.
Helland, who holds a doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology, also said DOD is working with its education partners to develop a plan and strategy to share data with state education agencies so that public high school students will receive credit for military readiness, in addition to college and career readiness.
Helland said the Pentagon has partnered with national service agencies such as the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps to help roll out an overall message of service.
“Because, like military service, there has been a decline in propensity for national service opportunities,” she said. “So, we are working on a whole-of-government solution.”
As she concluded her remarks, Helland made a point of praising the progress of last year’s recruitment efforts.
“While we’re here to talk about recruiting efforts today, we also want to celebrate the 225,000 young adults who’ve enlisted in fiscal year 2024,” she said.
“Through a spirit of selfless service, we continue to build and maintain the world’s most capable military.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
25 Oct 24. Ms Susannah Goshko CMG has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the United Mexican States. Ms Goshko will take up her appointment during November 2024.
31 Oct 24. Dr Carol van der Walt has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Dominican Republic in succession to Mr Mockbul Ali OBE. Dr van der Walt will take up her appointment during November 2024.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
30 Oct 24. Hezbollah Names Naim Qassem as New Leader. Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group announced on Tuesday that Sheikh Naim Qassem will serve as its new leader, succeeding Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27. Qassem, 71, has been a prominent figure in Hezbollah since its founding in 1982, serving as deputy leader. His appointment was confirmed by Hezbollah’s governing Shura Council. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian endorsed the choice, saying that Qassem’s leadership would “strengthen the will of the resistance.” Qassem’s appointment follows the deaths of multiple Hezbollah officials in Israeli strikes. Initially, Hezbollah’s Executive Council head, Hashem Safieddine, was expected to succeed Nasrallah, but he was also reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike earlier in October. In response to Qassem’s appointment, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Qassem’s new role would be a “temporary appointment,” implying further Israeli actions may follow. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
30 Oct 24. Gigaba named Joint Standing Committee on Defence co-chair. Dark smoke bears testimony to the destruction of military equipment and materiel at CTC last October. The fire saw an oversight visit by the PCDMV. Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD), the third committee tasked with oversight of defence and military veterans, is constituted for the seventh administration and has co-chairs, as its predecessor did. One is African National Congress (ANC) National Council of Province (NCOP) public representative Phiroane Phala who shares JSCD leadership with former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba. Before resigning from the ANC Gigaba was, among others, the Cabinet Minister responsible for Home Affairs, Public Enterprises and Transport. Subsequently, he rejoined the party and his position on the national party list saw him returned to Parliament in this year’s May election.
Party-wise Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC has the highest representation – five from both the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP). Next highest is the Democratic Alliance (DA) with three (two NA and one NCOP) followed by the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and Pan African Congress (PAC) each with two representatives. Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has a lone representative as does the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Members include Tammy Breedt, Russel Cebekhulu, Virgill Gerick, Nicholas Gotsell, Mzimas Hala, Chris Hattingh, Tidimalo Legwase, Carl Niehaus, Pitso Noe, Edward Ntshingila, Windy Plaatjies, Mabel Rweqana, Maliyakhe Shelembe and Thokozile Sokanyile.
Other defence oversight committees are the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) drawn from NA public representatives, and the Select Committee on Security and Justice (SCSJ), an NCOP staffed committee. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
INDUSTRY
INDUSTRY TEAMINGS
30 Oct 24. The Moroccan Government has agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) to launch potential joint projects in the Moroccan aerospace industry, across areas in commercial aviation, defense and urban air mobility. The MOU further acknowledges the mutual desire to strengthen and expand cooperation and investment between the Federal Republic of Brazil and the Kingdom of Morocco, around forging increased Atlantic cooperation across two role models of the Global South. The agreement, between The Moroccan Government and Embraer, was signed by the Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Ryad Mezzour; the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government, in charge of Investment, Convergence and Evaluation of Public Policies, Mr. Karim Zidane; the Managing Director of the Moroccan Investment and Export Development Agency, Mr. Ali Seddiki; and Embraer Commercial Aviation President and CEO, Mr. Arjan Meijer. The parties have identified business opportunities, with excellent potential to bring mutual benefits in the short and long term to both Embraer and Morocco. The agreement covers opportunities in commercial aviation, defense, and urban air mobility, providing a framework around which to build an integrated sourcing ecosystem in Morocco, fostering innovation and economic growth and contributing to job creation and the development of local skills. This project of cooperation will also consider an important range of fields in incremental phases by developing training and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul). Other fields to be explored for potential collaborations include: R&T especially in decarbonization, clean mobility, sustainable aviation, sustainable aviation fuel.
“Today, we are signing a landmark partnership agreement with Embraer at this prestigious event – the Marrakech airshow,” said Mr Ryad Mezzour, The Minister of Industry and Trade. “This collaboration not only highlights the strength of our Moroccan ecosystem but also positions us as a key player in the global aerospace industry. It marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of our aeronautics industry, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and attracting strategic investments from global industry leaders. The agreement will catalyze a deeper synergy between Morocco and the major industry leader, Embrayer, accelerating our shared ambitions and unlocking potential for groundbreaking achievements in aerospace”.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Embraer to develop a long-term relationship with the strong and thriving Moroccan aerospace industry,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation. “It’s particularly pleasing that our new partners in Rabat put the same emphasis on skills and training as we do at Embraer. Education, skills and development for young people is the basis for any strong industry, and a common value for all parties. We look forward to making a difference together, growing the industry and maximizing the benefits for all.”
“Morocco is set to be a major partner for Embraer Defense and Security, and we are committed to collaborating closely with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to position the C-390 as the leading choice for their Future Tactical Airlift capabilities. Our support would include comprehensive training, maintenance, and logistics for their fleet,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “With a growing number of countries choosing the C-390 for its outstanding performance and high availability, now is the ideal time for the Royal Moroccan Air Force to consider joining this strong community.”
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
30 Oct 24. The Board of Directors of Airbus SE (stock exchange symbol: AIR) will propose to the shareholders at the 2025 Annual General Meeting the renewal of Guillaume Faury as Executive member of the Board and Airbus Chief Executive Officer. The Company is also announcing management transition steps in its Commercial Aircraft business. Lars Wagner, currently the CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, has been selected to join the Airbus Executive Committee, after finalising his term at MTU, to become the successor of Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business.
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
30 Oct 24. Comtech (NASDAQ: CMTL) (the “Company”), a global technology leader, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed John Ratigan as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board, effective October 28, 2024. Mr. Ratigan has been serving as Comtech’s interim CEO since March 2024. In addition, the Comtech Board appointed Kenneth (Ken) H. Traub as an independent director to the Board, effective October 31, 2024.
Chief Executive Officer Appointment
Mr. Ratigan is an accomplished executive with over three decades of senior leadership experience and expertise in the global satellite technology sector. He joined Comtech in November 2023 as the Company’s first Chief Corporate Development Officer. Mr. Ratigan was previously CEO and President of iDirect Government, LLC, a provider of satellite communications solutions to the U.S. government, and ran East Coast operations for Fairchild Data Corporation and EF Data Corp., in both instances overseeing substantial growth and value creation.
“Over the past several months, John has been an important voice in charting Comtech’s strategy to transform into a pure-play satellite and space communications company,” said Mark Quinlan, Chair of the Comtech Board. “Under his leadership, the Company has initiated several programs designed to improve operations, including an intensive review of Comtech’s Space & Satellite Communications product portfolio to identify the most strategic and high-margin revenue opportunities. The Board is confident that John is the right leader to oversee the execution of our new strategy as we work diligently to unlock value for shareholders.”
Mr. Ratigan’s appointment as CEO follows a comprehensive process conducted by a leading executive search firm.
Mr. Ratigan said, “I am honored to serve as CEO during this important time for Comtech. When I stepped into the interim role in March, I did so with great conviction in the possibilities ahead. I saw then – and still see – great technology, great people and a tremendous opportunity. Comtech has market-leading products, a strong customer base and a compelling path to drive profitable growth in our large and growing end markets. We are acting with urgency to build a stronger, more competitive company focused on providing best-in-class satellite and space communications solutions.”
New Independent Board Director
Mr. Traub brings deep experience as a CEO, independent director, active investor and consultant to numerous companies at times of critical business transition and transformation, with a successful track record of driving strategic, operational, financial and governance improvements to protect and enhance shareholder value.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Comtech Board of Directors at this critically important time for the Company,” said Mr. Traub. “I look forward to working with the Comtech Board of Directors and management team to address current challenges and capitalize on the significant opportunities available to the Company.”
Mr. Quinlan added, “Ken is widely regarded as an expert in overseeing business transformations and has a long history of successfully guiding companies through strategic transitions that benefit shareholders. On behalf of the full Board, we welcome Ken as our newest independent director and look forward to working closely with him as we position Comtech for the future.”
About John Ratigan
Mr. Ratigan has more than 30 years of leadership experience in satellite and space communications. He has served as Comtech’s interim CEO since March 2024 after joining the Company in November 2023 as Chief Corporate Development Officer. He previously served as CEO and President of iDirect Government, LLC and as an Executive Committee Member of ST Engineering iDirect, Inc. During his tenure, he grew iDirect Government to over $100 m in annual revenue and spearheaded the acquisition of GlowLink Communications Technologies, Inc. and its unique interference mitigation technology (CSIR), which helped the company become the largest provider of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) SATCOM capabilities. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ratigan ran East Coast operations for Fairchild Data Corporation and EF Data Corp., which is now a part of Comtech. During his time at EF Data, he was instrumental in helping the company grow from $20 m to $120 m in revenue in under eight years. Prior to that, Mr. Ratigan held the position of Senior Vice President of North and South American sales for the start-up BroadLogic Network Technologies, Inc. He began his career in the United States Senate working for Senator Bill Armstrong (R-Colorado) and held multiple sales positions with the Xerox Corporation as a member of the legal sales team.
Mr. Ratigan holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Maryland.
About Kenneth Traub
Mr. Traub has over 30 years of experience as a CEO, chairman, director, investor and consultant in public companies, with a successful track record of driving strategic, financial, operational and governance improvements to enhance shareholder value. He has served as the Managing Partner of Delta Value Advisors, a strategic consulting and investment advisory firm specializing in corporate governance and turnarounds, since 2019. He was previously Managing Partner of Raging Capital, a registered investment firm, and served as President and CEO of Ethos Management LLC, a private investment and consulting firm. Mr. Traub served as President and Chief Executive Officer of American Bank Note Holographics, Inc., a leading global supplier of optical security devices for the protection of documents and products against counterfeiting from 1999 through 2008. In 1994, he co-founded Voxware, Inc., a pioneer in voice over Internet protocol communication technologies, and served as its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer through 1998. Mr. Traub currently serves as an independent director on the boards of Tidewater, Inc., the leading global operator of offshore vessels for the energy industry, and Edgio, Inc., a software company providing digital content delivery networks and applications. Mr. Traub previously served as an independent director on the boards of numerous public companies, including DSP Group, Inc., a manufacturer of multimedia chipsets for converged communications (acquired by Synaptics Incorporated); MRV Communications, Inc., a telecommunications company (acquired by ADVA Optical Networking SE); Vitesse Semiconductor, Inc., a fabless semiconductor developer (acquired by Microsemi Corporation); Xyratex Ltd, a data storage company (acquired by Seagate Technology plc); MIPS Technologies, Inc., a semiconductor technology company (acquired by Imagination Technologies Group plc and Allied Security Trust); Intermolecular, Inc., a semiconductor materials supplier (acquired by Merck KGaA); and Phoenix Technologies, Inc., a leading supplier of firmware for computers (acquired by Marlin Equity Partners), among others.Mr. Traub received the NACD Directorship Certification, which is awarded to directors who meet the highest standards of corporate governance according to the National Association of Corporate Directors. Mr. Traub received a Bachelor of Arts from Emory College in 1983 and an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1988.
30 Oct 24. Elbit Systems of America, LLC, (Elbit America), is a high technology company, providing product and system solutions that focus on United States military, homeland security, commercial aviation, and medical instrumentation markets. Mr. Todd Gautier and Mr. Scott Greene, both of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, joined the company’s Board of Directors this month. The Directors provide leadership, vision and experience to the company and its shareholders. Mr. Todd Gautier has more than 35 years of combined experience in the U.S. Navy and in the aerospace and defense industry. He spent more than 20 years at L3Harris Technologies Corp., retiring as President of L3Harris Aviation Systems. The multi-bn-dollar segment provided solutions, products, and services to the U.S. Department of Defense, allies and select commercial markets. Prior to his tenure at L3Harris, Mr. Gautier served a little more than 14 years in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator and F/A-18 Strike Fighter Pilot. Mr. Gautier has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University. Mr. Scott Greene’s career in the aerospace and defense industry spanned more than four decades. He retired from Lockheed Martin as the Executive Vice President of the Missile and Fire Control business area. He was affiliated with Lockheed Martin for most of his career, working in several lines of business, supporting the Department of Defense and international partners. Through various leadership roles with the company, Mr. Greene honed his finance, strategic planning, operations, engineering, and product development expertise. Mr. Greene has a bachelor’s degree in business and applied economics from Cornell University.
28 Oct 24. Everfox, formerly Forcepoint Federal, today announced the members of its newly established Executive Advisory Board. The new Board, which is composed of individuals with significant government agency, defense, and commercial experience, will be focused on providing Everfox leadership with strategic guidance and knowledge that will enable the company to continue its rapid growth within the United States federal and commercial markets and to assist its customers worldwide. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
28 Oct 24. MITRE named Katie Schroth vice president, Air and Space Forces Center, within the MITRE National Security Sector. Schroth will set strategy and priorities to ensure MITRE delivers technical capabilities and mission objectives for the Department of the Air Force, including critical needs for space warfighting, air operations, nuclear enterprise modernization, cyber operations, and joint lethality in contested environments. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
30 Oct 24. Maxar Intelligence, a provider of secure, precise geospatial insights, today announced the appointments of Matt Santangelo as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Matt Jenkins as Chief Space Systems Officer (CSSO), following the addition of Peter Wilczynski as Chief Product Officer (CPO) earlier this summer.
All three leaders bring extensive leadership experience driving critical growth and innovation initiatives at some of the world’s most successful aerospace and technology companies:
- Santangelo was most recently CFO of cybersecurity company Forcepoint, where he helped drive improved top- and bottom-line performance across a globally diverse portfolio spanning both government and commercial software markets.
- Jenkins has over 20 years of experience building novel spacecraft and remote sensing technologies for critical government missions, with senior engineering roles at Amazon’s Project Kuiper and Raytheon.
- Wilczynski joins from Palantir, where he led the development of the company’s flagship Ontology System that serves as the backbone of its AI-powered products and services. He also built first-of-a-kind geospatial products for the U.S. defense and intelligence community.
Matt Santangelo
As CFO, Santangelo will be responsible for Maxar’s global finance organization. He has a track record of building global, high-growth and profitable businesses across multiple technology sectors. Prior to his tenure at Forcepoint, he held numerous finance and transformation roles over a 15-year career at Raytheon, helping grow the company’s business internationally and driving operational efficiencies.
“Maxar is working to push the geospatial industry beyond a focus on commercial data sales and toward more recurring revenue software-driven solutions,” said Santangelo. “I’m excited to apply my experience to help Maxar unlock new opportunities globally and profitably grow at an accelerated pace.”
Matt Jenkins
As CSSO, Jenkins will architect the future of Maxar’s on-orbit technology, including defining the innovation roadmap for WorldView Legions 7 and 8. Most recently, he served as Head of Engineering for Kuiper’s Government Solutions team. Previously, he led the development of innovative payloads for space domain awareness missions at Pacific Defense Systems and held several Chief Systems Engineer roles at Raytheon.
Peter Wilczynski
As CPO, Wilczynski will focus on capitalizing on Maxar’s advanced geospatial foundation by building more advanced, AI-powered software solutions that utilize very high-resolution imagery to deliver mission-critical insights. Wilczynski joined Maxar after more than 10 years at Palantir, where he was the product lead for Gotham, an integrated intelligence and operations platform used by a wide range of U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. Wilczynski also led the early development of Gaia, Palantir’s geospatial mapping platform.
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
29 Oct 24. Serendipity Capital today announces the appointment of two independent non-executive directors to its board, who will support the growth of the firm and the expansion of its ecosystem in both the UK and globally. Serendipity Capital is a venture capital investor focused on addressing the investment gap in critical technologies. These include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cyber security, advanced manufacturing and quantum computing, with a particular focus on companies in Five Eyes and strategically aligned countries. Ruth Cairnie and Colin Bell will join the board as non-executive directors from November 01. The appointments deepen the board’s operational experience, which will inform the firm’s approach to deal origination, portfolio company management and capital raising. Ruth Cairnie joins the group following a long career at leading engineering, technology and defence firms. Ruth is currently chair of Babcock and holds non-executive director roles at BT Group and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). This follows a 37-year career at Shell where she was responsible for strategy development at a Group level. Colin Bell brings extensive experience in financial services and risk management. Colin is the current CEO of HSBC Bank plc and HSBC Europe, a position he has held since 2021 and will hold until his planned departure from the group later this year. Prior to his current role, Colin acted as the bank’s group chief compliance officer and group head of financial crime risk, following several roles in compliance at UBS and Barclays Wealth, and a 16-year career in the British Army. The firm was launched by experienced financial services executives, Rob Jesudason, Anton Jerga and Sean Harpur, to target investment opportunities emerging from geopolitical uncertainty, and the broader disruption of the global economy. The firm, chaired by veteran banker Ewen Stevenson, has established a global network of experts from across the technology, defence and finance industries to source investment opportunities. Serendipity Capital has generated an IRR of more than 23% from its existing portfolio since inception – and more than 48% from investments made in the UK. The two appointments bring additional experience to support the growth of the firm globally and an expanded focus on the UK – where Serendipity Capital sees an increasing number of deal opportunities emerging from Russell Group universities.