Selecting the Satellite Executive of the Year always is a time-consuming process, but the 2007 award added an extra layer of difficulty. In the middle of weighing the merits of many traditional nominees we received suggestions that a worthy winner would be the industry team that safeguarded access and use of C-band spectrum.

It looked to be an obvious choice given the overwhelming outcome, but determining just which executives would receive the honor proved to be difficult. The three winners were widely considered to be integral to the effort, but we are aware that the campaign required the work of many more individuals.

We had to view the choice in the same way we look at any Executive of the Year — the three honorees are the representatives of many individuals. In that vein, we allow them to cite the others who played a crucial role in the C-band effort.

John Lothian, SES — “I would like to acknowledge the support and encouragement of the SES executive committee, in particular Romain Bausch and Robert Bednarek, who entrusted us with this mission. Within SES it is Cédric Papin who deserves a special mention. He has worked tirelessly in ITU meetings as well as regional groups on this issue since joining us mid-2005. In addition, Cecil Ameil did an excellent job of coordinating the industry groups, while Anthony Baker and the team at New Skies, notably Joslyn Read, Kevin Seow and Patrick Van Niftrik, were a driving force in all regions of the world.

“… Many other satellite operators played an active role: Yahsat, Shin Satellite, all Indonesian satellite operators, Measat, Asiasat, Arabsat, Thuraya, ISRO and Star One together with satellite vendors. Here I would specifically mention Alain Frizon and François Le-Boulch of Thales Alenia Space.”

Kengi Chen, Inmarsat — “I would like to mention my colleagues in the Inmarsat team, including Jonas Eneberg, Paul Deedman, Chris McLaughlin, Pat McDougal, Putcha Narasimham and Alejandra Ornes, whose efforts were instrumental in the run-up and during the conference, and the senior level support from CEO Andrew Sukawaty and Richard Denny, vice president of Satellite Network & Operations. … The regional satellite operators were also essential contributors to the campaign, in particular, the teams from Shin Satellite, Yahsat, ISRO, Telkom Indonesia and Asiasat to name a few. Mr. K Arasteh from the Iranian administration was a leading figure in developing the final solution. In addition, Mr. Shola Taylor, member of the ITU Radio Regulation Board, was vital in encouraging the key African countries to adopt the final agreed solution.”  

Kalpak Gude, Intelsat — “Hazeem Moakkit of Yahsat represented the [United Arab Emirates] at the conference and was both a strong voice for the satellite industry as well as the chairman of the working group created to identify broader protection criteria and pfd levels that were ultimately accepted by the conference.

“Onanong Petnim of Shin Satellite represented Thailand at the conference and was the spokesperson for the Asia Pacific Telecom. She spoke for the Asian regional organization and was very strong in arguing the importance of C-band in Asia.”