ABS CEO Amit Somani. Photo: ABS

United Arab Emirates satellite operator Yahsat has appointed Amit Somani as chief growth and strategy officer, Yahsat announced Monday. Somani is returning to Yahsat, where he worked from 2010 to 2022. Somani’s appointment took effect on April 1.

Somani was previously CEO of ABS (Agility Beyond Space) and left the company in January. He left Yahsat in 2022 to join ABS, and was with ABS for less than two years.

At Yahsat, Somani previously served as vice president of strategy and business development and most recently chief strategy officer. He was part of Yahsat’s IPO and listing on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in 2021.

In this role, he will oversee the company’s growth strategy and spearhead global strategic partnerships. Yahsat is currently in the approval process for a merger with geospatial intelligence firm Bayanat, to create the combined company Space42. Bayanat and Yahsat shareholders will vote on the recommended merger on April 25.

“I am delighted to return to Yahsat and contribute to its ambitious mission of transforming the space industry in the UAE and the wider region,” Somani said. “It is a pleasure to resume my journey with Yahsat and contribute to its growth, innovation, delivering exceptional solutions for its valued customers, building upon its strong foundations, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence.”