“Toby is one of the most seasoned operations executives in the satellite industry,” Skybox Imaging CEO Tom Ingersoll said in a statement. “His extensive experience and track record of reliably operating a large fleet of communication satellites over the last 20 years will be key to ensuring the successful deployment and operation of the Skybox constellation planned to begin in Q2 of 2013.”

Nassif’s previous experience includes 11 years as Intelsat Vice President of Satellite Operations and Engineering as well as Vice President of Space Operations, along with service in the U.S. Navy in various operational roles. Nassif most recently held the position of Space Data Association (SDA) Chairman..

Nassif is looking forward to this new role, stating, “Skybox’s Silicon Valley-approach to deploying a low-cost, high-performance imaging satellite constellation has the potential to bring tremendous value to government and commercial customers worldwide.”