As SES’ Executive Vice President Corporate Development and member of the SES Executive Committee since January 2002, Bednarek was instrumental in the execution of the company’s geographic expansion strategy.  During his tenure, Bednarek and his team led the acquisition of New Skies in 2006, as well as the integration process, which followed. He became President and CEO of SES New Skies in 2006, and later of SES World Skies. In 2011 he took on an Executive Adviser role to the President and CEO of SES while fighting his illness.

   Bednarek also was the co-founder and partner of a Washington D.C.-based technology-consulting firm, Rubin, Bednarek and Associates, specializing in communication systems engineering and technical regulatory matters pending before the Federal Communications Commission. From 1979 to 1984 he served as deputy chief scientist for the U.S. Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) where he managed the research, development and application of new telecommunications and information technologies.

   “Rob will be remembered as a dedicated and innovative professional who helped shape the world of modern satellite communications through his visions and inspirations,” SES President and CEO Romain Bausch said in a statement. “His accomplishments at SES significantly contributed to establishing the company in its current leadership position and his life will remain a source of inspiration for generations of satellite executives. But perhaps most of all, Rob will be remembered for the dignity and respect with which he treated all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rob will be sadly missed by all of us at SES and by many in the satellite industry. Our thoughts and deep sympathies are with his wife Elisabeth, his children Michael and Stephanie, and all other members of Rob’s family.”