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Ali Al Hashemi, who has served as the Vice Chair of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA) since 2023, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board. With over two decades of experience in telecommunications, defence, and aerospace, Al Hashemi is set to lead the organization representing the satellite industry.

As the first Emirati to hold this prestigious position, Al Hashemi builds on a remarkable career in satellite communications. His leadership at Space42, a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company, has been pivotal, particularly in:

• Launching the Thuraya-4 satellite in January 2025
• Rolling out direct-to-device (D2D) services in Africa

In addition to his role at GSOA, Al Hashemi chairs the Advanced Military Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Centre (AMMROC) and serves on the boards of the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) and the National Space Science and Technology Centre (NSSTC). Previously, as the Group CEO of Yahsat before its merger into Space42, he successfully led the company’s listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange in 2021, marking the second-largest IPO in the exchange’s history. He also played a key role in integrating Thuraya following its acquisition in 2018.

Recognized internationally, Al Hashemi has been featured in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs for both 2023 and 2024, and was acknowledged as one of its Sustainability Leaders in 2023. Expressing his gratitude, Al Hashemi stated, “This is deeply meaningful to me personally and professionally. Having served as Vice Chair of GSOA since 2023, this election reflects the trust and confidence my fellow industry leaders have placed in me. I am honored by this responsibility and excited to build on GSOA’s incredible foundation. I look forward to helping drive innovation and collaboration in an industry that literally connects our world.”

Joining Al Hashemi in the GSOA leadership team are two newly elected Vice Chairs: Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, and Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, CEO of NigComSat. This diverse leadership team brings a wealth of industry expertise, representing perspectives from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Their collective vision will support GSOA’s mission to promote inclusive, sustainable, and innovative growth across the satellite industry.

The GSOA stands as the only global non-profit association representing the entire satellite ecosystem, uniting members as the premier platform for worldwide collaboration. As a CEO-driven organization, it leads efforts to tackle global challenges, seize new opportunities, and provide a unified voice for the satellite sector. Recognized by international, regional, and national entities—including regulators, policymakers, and standards-setting organizations like 3GPP, as well as international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Economic Forum (WEF)—GSOA boasts around 70 members that encompass the full spectrum of the industry, from GSOs and NGSOs to launchers, manufacturers, and ground segment players.

The UAE has established itself as a respected global space partner, investing heavily in next-generation satellite communications and geospatial capabilities. Through Space42, the nation has expanded its sovereign satellite capacity, pursued direct-to-device connectivity services, and forged global partnerships. Additionally, the UAE prioritizes research and development, training local talent to cultivate a new generation of space scientists and engineers.

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.