WASHINGTON — Samer Halawi is leaving satellite internet startup OneWeb after less than a year to join Intelsat in a newly created executive position.
Halawi stepped down as CEO of Dubai-based satellite operator Thuraya in March to become chief commercial officer at OneWeb, which at the time was still pursuing a merger with Intelsat. The merger collapsed in June after Intelsat was unable to convince creditors to go along with a debt swap that was a precondition for the deal.
Six months later, Halawi is set to join Intelsat as the satellite fleet operator’s chief commercial officer. He starts Jan. 9, according to a Dec. 20 press release.
“Samer’s extensive background and expertise in mobility services and in bringing new products and services to market will be instrumental in guiding our commercial operations to capitalize on new, fast growing applications,” Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler said in a prepared statement.
Halawi’s responsibilities will include commercializing Intelsat’s EpicNG high-throughput fleet, strengthening the rollout of new managed services, and finding new applications for satellite communications. Halawi will also lead engagements with Intelsat business partners including antenna maker Kymeta and OneWeb, both of whom Intelsat has invested in and has several partnership agreements.
