Latest news with #IRIS2
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Airtel partner Eutelsat names new chief; read current CEO Eva Berneke's message here
Eutelsat has appointed Orange executive Jean-Francois Fallacher as its new CEO. Fallacher, 58, will be replacing the Franco-British satellite communication provider's current chief, Eva Berneke . Fallacher, who is a telecoms sector veteran and has led Orange's branches in Romania, Poland, Spain, and France over the past 15 years, is set to take over Eutelsat, which also shares a strategic partnership with Indian telecom giant Airtel , on June 1. The change reportedly comes as Eutelsat seeks to reduce Europe's dependency on Elon Musk's Starlink . Eutelsat also said that it needs more financing as Europe looks for home-grown satellite communication options for both commercial and defence purposes. "It is a continuity appointment, not a rupture with the strategy, as the path is clearly traced and the new CEO is committed to build," a Eutelsat spokesperson said to the news agency Reuters. Read what Eutelsat CEO Eva Berneke said about her exit from the company The company's current CEO, Berneke, also took to the professional networking platform LinkedIn to share a message about her departure from Eutelsat. Berneke wrote: 'Ensuring Eutelsat Groups future direction Dear friends, colleagues and partners across the world. This morning we announced that I will hand over the realms of Eutelsat to a new CEO, who will onboard the company starting 1 June. Since I took over the CEO position in January 2022, the world has changed in many ways; Russia invaded Ukraine and put geopolitics on the radar for leaders and companies all over the world and the early morning attack on the Viasat satellite - on the day of the Russian invasion - placed SatComs, space and subsequently Eutelsat in the centre of it all. The world has changed immensely and so has Eutelsat. We announced the merger with OneWeb in the summer of '22 and completed the merger the following year, creating the first LEO-GEO player in the SatCom industry and the only operational LEO constellation operator besides Starlink in the US. New steps were taken in 2024 when Eutelsat joined forces with 2 other operators and won the significant 10,6Bn Euro IRIS2 contract with the EU with the objective of developing a European Souverain space connectivity capacity and ensuring that Europe remain sovereign and independent – also in Space. In parallel with all of this; Eutelsat's GEO Tech teams managed no less than 5 GEO launches. And last but not least, we partially divested our passive ground infrastructure and welcomed EQT as new investor, and jointly we are now on track to create the world's first satellite antenna company. So looking to the future; Eutelsat is set for a full alignment with a world where Europe is a strong souverain space player and strongly aligned with the telecom connectivity ecosystem. So with Eutelsat's strategy anchored in the IRIS2 and European souverain future, we look to adjust our governance and shareholder structure, and this has paved the way for our CEO succession, which will unfold during the next month. Jean-Francois Fallacher will join as Eutelsat's new CEO on June 1, and I will make sure he gets onboarded with our fantastic teams, our cherished customers, strategic suppliers and regulatory partners. I hope that you will be as welcoming and friendly to him as you have been to me during the past years and this says a lot! Bringing Eutelsat into a new future has been an immense challenge but first and foremost a great privilege and pleasure and I have truly enjoyed being part of the global space family and steering Eutelsat into a new and very exciting future. I will see you around, EVA' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Broadcast Pro
05-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Eutelsat appoints Jean-François Fallacher as new CEO
Jean-François Fallacher succeeds Eva Berneke, who has steered the company since January 2022. Eutelsat has announced the appointment of Jean-François Fallacher as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a strategic leadership transition as the company enters a new phase following its merger with OneWeb and prepares for its role in the upcoming EU IRIS2 constellation project. The decision was made during a Board Meeting on May 4, 2025, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee. Fallacher will officially assume the role on June 1, 2025. A highly experienced executive in the telecommunications sector, Fallacher joins Eutelsat after a long tenure at Orange, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President and CEO of Orange France. His international leadership experience spans several key markets, having previously led Oranges operations in Spain, Romania and Poland. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Wanadoo Netherlands and Sofrecom, bringing a blend of expertise in R&D, sales and operations. Fallacher holds degrees from Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris. Fallacher takes the helm from Eva Berneke, who has led Eutelsat since January 2022. Under her leadership, the company achieved several transformative milestones, including the high-profile merger with OneWeb in 2023creating the worlds only combined LEO (Low Earth Orbit) and GEO (Geostationary Orbit) satellite operator. Berneke also oversaw Eutelsats designation as a core partner in the EU's forthcoming IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation and led the innovative divestment of its passive ground segment, a first among satellite operators. Dominique DHinnin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eutelsat, commented: 'On behalf of myself, Vice-Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and the other members of the Board, I warmly thank Eva Berneke for her dynamic and committed leadership through these significant milestones in Eutelsats development and for delivering on our telecoms pivot strategy, in a period that has seen significantly increased competitive and geopolitical pressure. 'I am delighted to welcome Jean-François Fallacher as he picks up the baton from Eva. With his proven track record of success and wealth of experience and expertise, I am convinced he is the right leader to take Eutelsat forward and successfully steward the company through the opportunities and challenges which will undoubtedly present themselves in the coming years.' Jean-François Fallacher said: 'I am excited to be joining Eutelsat at such a pivotal moment in its history. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and in todays increasingly complex geopolitical context, satellite networks have become a key element in the Connectivity landscape. I am convinced Eutelsat has the fundamentals to be a winner in this environment, and I look forward to building on Evas foundations, and working with its talented teams to ensure we achieve our goals.'
Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Eutelsat Announces the Appointment of Its New Chief Executive Officer
PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: As Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange) moves into the next phase after the integration with OneWeb and fully aligned with an IRIS 2 future, Eutelsat announces the appointment of Jean-François Fallacher as its new CEO. The appointment was decided at a Board Meeting held on May 4 th, 2025, upon the recommendation of the Nomination and Governance Committee, and will be effective on June 1 st, 2025. This appointment comes as a natural change that fully aligns Eutelsat to the telecom ecosystem. A seasoned telecoms professional, Jean-François Fallacher joins Eutelsat following a lengthy career at Orange where he was latterly Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Orange France. Prior to that, he led Orange's operations in various countries including Spain, Romania and Poland. Before in his career at Orange, Jean-François Fallacher held several roles in R&D, sales and operations, including Chief Operating Officer of Wanadoo in the Netherlands and Chief Executive Officer of Sofrecom, a consulting company specializing in the telecoms sector. A French national, Jean-François Fallacher is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications in Paris. Jean-François Fallacher succeeds Eva Berneke, who has steered the company since January 2022, presiding over some of its most significant strategic and operational achievements. These include the merger with and integration of OneWeb in 2023 to create the world's only LEO / GEO satellite operator, its appointment as one of the core players in the planned EU IRIS 2 multi-orbit constellation, and the pioneering disposal of its passive ground segment, the first operation of its type among satellite operators. Dominique D'Hinnin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Eutelsat commented: 'On behalf of myself, Vice-Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and the other members of the Board, I warmly thank Eva Berneke for her dynamic and committed leadership through these significant milestones in Eutelsat's development and for delivering on our telecoms pivot strategy, in a period that has seen significantly increased competitive and geopolitical pressure. I am delighted to welcome Jean-François Fallacher as he picks up the baton from Eva. With his proven track record of success and wealth of experience and expertise, I am convinced he is the right leader to take Eutelsat forward and successfully steward the company through the opportunities and challenges which will undoubtedly present themselves in the coming years.' Jean-François Fallacher said: 'I am excited to be joining Eutelsat at such a pivotal moment in its history. Technology is evolving faster than ever, and in today's increasingly complex geopolitical context, satellite networks have become a key element in the Connectivity landscape. I am convinced Eutelsat has the fundamentals to be a winner in this environment, and I look forward to building on Eva's foundations, and working with its talented teams to ensure we achieve our goals.' Eutelsat will release its Third Quarter 2024-25 Revenues after market close on 15 th May 2025. Ahead of this publication, Eutelsat confirms that the performance for the quarter is expected to be in line with its expectations and confirms its FY 2024-25 objectives of Revenues of the four operating verticals around the same level as FY 2023-24 1 and an Adjusted EBITDA 2 margin for the year slightly below the level of FY 2023-24 3. **** THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE EU MARKET ABUSE REGULATION 596/2014 AND THE UK MARKET ABUSE REGULATION About Eutelsat Group Eutelsat Group is a global leader in satellite communications, delivering connectivity and broadcast services worldwide. The Group was formed through the combination of the Company and OneWeb in 2023, becoming the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator with a fleet of 35 Geostationary satellites and a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of more than 600 satellites. The Group addresses the needs of customers in four key verticals of Video, where it distributes more than 6,500 television channels, and the high-growth connectivity markets of Mobile Connectivity, Fixed Connectivity, and Government Services. Eutelsat Group's unique suite of in-orbit assets and ground infrastructure enables it to deliver integrated solutions to meet the needs of global customers. The Company is headquartered in Paris and the Eutelsat Group employs more than 1,500 people across more than 50 countries. The Group is committed to delivering safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable connectivity to help bridge the digital divide. The Company is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL) and the London Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL). Find out more at DISCLAIMER The forward-looking statements included herein are for illustrative purposes only and are based on management's views and assumptions as of the date of this document. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks. For illustrative purposes only, such risks include but are not limited to: risks related to the health crisis; operational risks related to satellite failures or impaired satellite performance, or failure to roll out the deployment plan as planned and within the expected timeframe; risks related to the trend in the satellite telecommunications market resulting from increased competition or technological changes affecting the market; risks related to the international dimension of the Group's customers and activities; risks related to the adoption of international rules on frequency coordination and financial risks related, inter alia, to the financial guarantee granted to the Intergovernmental Organization's closed pension fund, and foreign exchange risk. Eutelsat Communications expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any projections, forecasts or estimates contained in this document to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so required by applicable law. The information contained in this document is not based on historical facts, and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts or data mentioned will occur. This information is based on data, assumptions and estimates that the Group considers as reasonable.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Germany's military wants its own Starlink-like satellite constellation
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Germany's armed forces are planning to build their own constellation of satellites, to avoid becoming reliant on SpaceX's Starlink or other orbiting communications networks. Germany's military, or Bundeswehr, is looking to build at least one constellation of hundreds of satellites to provide communications services and possibly other applications, including remote sensing, according to a report from the German media outlet Handelsblatt. The constellation is to be constructed by around 2029, though it is not clear if this refers to starting or completing the project. Handelsblatt confirmed the plans with a German Ministry of Defense spokesperson, but details such as cost and design could not be shared due to national security. It was stated that various deployment options are being explored to meet growing demand using domestic capabilities. The importance of satellites for providing communications in wartime has been highlighted by the role of SpaceX's Starlink megaconstellation in Ukraine's response to the ongoing Russian invasion, which began in February 2022. Recent reports suggest that Russia and China are looking at ways of countering the constellation. The Handelsblatt report states that Germany has so far relied on satellite systems from allies, but that geopolitical uncertainty has made the country look to develop its own, autonomous capabilities. Related stories: — SpaceX: Facts about Elon Musk's private spaceflight company — Watch a private German rocket explode during 1st orbital launch attempt from European soil (video) — Starlink satellites: Facts, tracking and impact on astronomy The constellation for the Bundeswehr would also be separate from the European Union's planned IRIS 2 (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite) constellation. IRIS2 aims to provide sovereign high-speed internet broadband for the continent. Germany is also host to a number of new launch companies that are aiming to reach orbit in the near future. These include HyImpulse, Rocket Factory Augsburg and Isar Aerospace, which recently made its first orbital launch attempt from Andøya Spaceport in Norway. These could be involved in launching satellites for the Bundeswehr. These companies and more across the continent are likely to compete in the European Launcher Challenge to support the development of new launch vehicles and boost Europe's access to space.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Europe vs Starlink: Can the EU secure a footprint in space?
In today's digital world, losing an internet connection is often a mere inconvenience for individuals - but for nations, it can be a serious security risk. This became evident during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine when mobile networks and internet access came under threat. In response, tech billionaire Elon Musk stepped in, providing high-speed connectivity to Ukrainian authorities through his Starlink satellite system. The European Union has long trailed behind space powerhouses like Musk's company SpaceX and the US space agency NASA, but it's now taking steps to close the gap. In order to catch up, the European Commission has signed a contract for the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite (Iris2), a satellite network designed to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty. "In times of crisis, we cannot afford to be too dependent on countries or companies from outside the European Union," EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius recently said. Foreign policy chief warns of war in space Unlike Starlink, Iris2 is therefore to be controlled by EU states. "Whoever uses Starlink is ultimately dependent on one person," explains Antje Nötzold, researcher and lecturer in international politics at University of Technology Chemnitz. "We saw this in Ukraine when Musk did not activate his network for certain areas," Nötzold says. The space programme will explicitly contribute to the defence needs of EU countries, Kubilius, who is the EU's defence and space commissioner, says. He emphasizes that "IRIS2 will be vital for our security and defence." EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has even warned that conflicts are already being waged in space, citing cyberattacks and satellite disruptions as emerging threats. The first Iris2 launch is set for 2030, with the goal of providing fast internet to both government and civilian users. However, it remains unclear to what extent private individuals will benefit - especially in the early stages. Security take centre stage Will Europe have a more secure internet in five years? "Technically, that would be possible, but the exact specifications are still largely undefined," says Matthias Wachter from the Federation of German Industry (BDI). The space project aims to ensure that Europe has an independent infrastructure in the event of an emergency. However, civilian benefits may take a back seat in the event of a conflict, notes security expert Antje Nötzold. "If there are already established alternatives, Iris2 must first assert itself against other commercial providers and win customers," she notes. According to the European Space Agency (ESA), Iris2 will offer critical security features that commercial providers like Starlink do not. These safeguards are designed to protect against cyberattacks and physical threats - both on the ground and in orbit. "Conceptually, this is a major difference to Starlink," explains Wachter. With a price tag of nearly €11 billion ($11.5 billion), Iris2 represents a major investment in Europe's space industry. The EU is covering the bulk of the cost - about €6 billion - with additional funding from the ESA and private investors. Beyond security, the project is also seen as a way to boost Europe's space economy. Companies worldwide are racing to establish a foothold in orbit, from Musk's Mars ambitions to the rise of space tourism and the booming satellite communications market. While private players dominate the sector, European leaders are determined to ensure the continent gets its share of the future space economy. Is there still room in space? However, the expansion of satellite networks brings new challenges. Space is getting crowded. ESA estimates that over 13,000 satellites currently orbit the Earth - more than 7,000 of them belonging to Starlink alone. Experts warn that as more satellites are launched, the risk of collisions will increase, potentially triggering catastrophic chain reactions. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher has called for global space traffic regulations to prevent such disasters. Whether international agreements will keep pace with the rapidly evolving space industry remains an open question. For now, the EU is betting big on Iris2 - both to secure its digital future and to stake its claim in the new space race.
