DarkMatter’s new CEO, Karim Michel Sabbagh. Photo: DarkMatter.

The former President and CEO of SES, Karim Michelle Sabbagh has accepted the role of CEO at cybersecurity startup firm DarkMatter based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Faisal Al Bannai, founder and managing director of DarkMatter, announced the appointment, which is effective April 2018. Al Bannai will remain managing director of the firm, and will continue to lead its strategic direction and oversight.

“There are many things still to be achieved, and not enough time in the day, hence my decision to split the leadership role into that of CEO and of managing director. This separation enables me to focus on the strategic direction and oversight of the firm as the managing director, while the new CEO will take responsibility for the business,” Al Bannai said.

Sabbagh joins DarkMatter after most recently serving as president and CEO of Luxembourg-based satellite operator SES. Prior to joining SES, Sabbagh spent more than 15 years working in management consultancy with Booz & Co.

“It is exciting for me to return to the vibrant Middle East region having spent a number of years away, and to lead one of only a handful of full-service cybersecurity firms present in the world today. I look forward to contributing to building a global cybersecurity powerhouse in arguably the most significant industry of our time,” Sabbagh said.