Satellite Executive of the Year
Via Satellite has named Pat Dewitt, CEO of Space Systems/Loral, the Satellite Executive of the Year:
"We had to decide between a number of exceptional executives that lead their companies to new successes in 2006," said Jason Bates, editor of Via Satellite magazine. "However, what set Pat DeWitt apart from the rest was how quickly he turned the company around after such a difficult period. There was consensus at Via Satellite that this was the year to recognize Pat’s achievements."
In 2006, under DeWitt’s leadership, SS/L won a total of seven new satellite construction awards, from a wide array of customers, including Fixed Satellite Service (FSS), Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), Digital Audio Radio Service (DARS) and Direct-To-Home (DTH) service providers. The company also saw the successful launch of five SS/L-built satellites during the year.
"SS/L’s success today is a result of the leadership and vision put forth by Pat DeWitt," said Michael Targoff, chief executive officer of Loral Space & Communications. "Pat led the company through a difficult period and has positioned the company as the world’s premier provider of commercial satellites. Congratulations to Pat and all of SS/L on this well-deserved recognition."Pat DeWitt has held management positions with SS/L and its predecessor companies for 34 years. He started at the company when it was Western Development Labs of Ford Aerospace in 1973, as a financial analyst, and was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility over the years. He was named executive vice president in 1996 and in that role was responsible for finance, information systems, procurement, facilities, and human resources. He became president of the company in 2001 and was named chief executive officer in 2006.
"It is a great honor to receive this award," said DeWitt. "I would like to extend my thanks to the editors of Via Satellite magazine as well as to the employees of Space Systems/Loral and most of all I want to thank our many loyal customers who are the ultimate reason for our success."
The award will be presented at SATELLITE 2007, the premier global event for satellite-enabled communications, which runs February 19-22 at the Washington Convention in Washington, D.C.
