[Satellite TODAY 02-22-10] SES CFO Mark Rigolle has been appointed CEO of O3b Networks, the companies announced Feb. 22. Rigolle succeeds Greg Clarke, who is stepping down for personal reasons but will remain a member of O3b’s board.
    Rigolle joined SES in August 2004 after holding various positions for Belgacom and serving as the project leader for Belgacom’s IPO.
    “Coming from SES, I know O3b well and am delighted to have the opportunity to join the company at this important juncture in its development,” Rigolle said in a statement. “O3b’s first ultra-low latency, fiber-speed satellite network is a very attractive customer proposition that will open up a new and exciting world to billions of people who, up to now, have not experienced the benefits of fast Internet connectivity. Our sales team is actively selling applications ahead of the launch of our first satellites, and we are eagerly looking forward to the start of our service.”
    SES has invested $75 million in O3b to support the development of the satellite-based, global internet backbone and also is providing a range of operational services including sales, network operations, satellite operations and global regulatory support. Other O3b investors include Google Inc., Liberty Global Inc., HSBC Principal Investments and North Bridge Venture Partners.
    “While I regret to see Mark leave his current post, his extensive experience in the satellite sector and in the financial markets will be invaluable to O3b at this stage of its development,” Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES, said in a statement. “We are delighted with our investment in O3b to date and our continuing close working relationship. Under Mark’s leadership, I am more confident than ever that O3b will be successful in meeting its goals.”
    Andrew Browne will replace Rigolle as CFO at SES. Brown was CFO of Intelsat before serving as CFO of New Skies Satellites from 1998 and 2008.