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Iridium Announces Executive Retirements; Names Vincent O’Neill as New Chief Financial Officer and Timothy Last as new Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, each effective January 1, 2025

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MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) today announced that Thomas J. Fitzpatrick, 66, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Administrative Officer and Bryan J. Hartin, 60, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, plan to retire at year-end. Mr. Fitzpatrick will continue to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors after his retirement as CFO.  The Company named Vincent O’Neill as its new Chief Financial Officer and Timothy Last as the new Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, each to be effective January 1, 2025.

Vincent O’Neill currently serves as Senior Vice President, Finance with responsibility for treasury, strategic and operational financial planning and execution.  He joined Iridium in 2014 as its Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to joining Iridium, O’Neill was CFO of Mobilitie, a wireless infrastructure company, and previously spent 10 years at Nextel Sprint in a variety of senior finance roles. Prior to Nextel Sprint, he worked for Celnet, a Mobile Wireless Operator in the UK (now Telefonica).  O’Neill is a Chartered Management Accountant and holds an Accounting and Finance Diploma from Technological University Shannon, Ireland.

Tim Last currently serves as Senior Vice President, Sales, Product Management and Customer Care with responsibility for the Company’s product portfolio, global customer integration and support for commercial sales in the Americas region.  He previously served as Vice President and General Manager, Americas.  Last joined Iridium in 2012 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the sales and marketing organization.  Prior to working at Iridium, Last held business development roles at ORBCOMM, Inc. and BT Group.  Last holds an MSc in Telecommunications Business from University College London, England.

Commenting on these changes, Iridium CEO Matt Desch shared, “I’m expecting a seamless leadership transition with the appointment of Vince and Tim to the executive team.  It is a credit to both Tom Fitzpatrick and Bryan Hartin that they have developed leaders on their teams with the experience and vision to successfully succeed them.  Both Vince and Tim have extensive experience working with Iridium’s partners, employees and investors and will continue the success of their predecessors.”  

Speaking specifically to the retirements, Desch continued, “Tom has led Iridium through obtaining export credit financing of the largest-ever satellite constellation refresh, multiple capital market offerings and a strong credit facility with attractive terms, while leading the financial transformation of a company which, by the time of his retirement, is expected to have returned approximately $1.0 billion to shareholders over the previous three years. We are also very fortunate that he will continue to provide strategic leadership and his experience as a continued member of our Board.”  As to Hartin, Desch commented, “Iridium is defined by its products and its partners.  Bryan has successfully overseen the expansion of our commercial business as service revenues grew by 126% since he joined and subscribers almost quadrupled while he led our partner ecosystem growth to over 500 companies.”

During his 14 years as the Company’s CFO and 11 years as a member of its Board of Directors,  Fitzpatrick led the Company’s finance and administrative functions through the development and launch of the Iridium NEXT campaign and its subsequent financial transformation, leading share buybacks and the initiation of a quarterly dividend.  “Iridium has been the highlight of my 45-year career. It has been a privilege to play a part in the success of this unique, essential organization.  I thank Matt and the Iridium Board for their consistent support during my time at the company,” said Fitzpatrick. “I am delighted to remain involved in Iridium’s strategic direction through my service on the Board.  I look forward to continuing to work on our important mission in this role.”

Over his 12 years leading Sales and Marketing, Hartin led the growth that has driven subscribers to over 2.3 million users on the Iridium® network. In addition, he worked tirelessly to lead important safety certifications for Iridium, including for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), that allow mariners and explorers around the world to remain connected anywhere.  “It’s been an honor to be a member of the Iridium family for the past 12 years.  I am very proud of the team we built that has driven Iridium’s consistent track record of growth and success.  I particularly want to thank Matt for all the guidance and support he’s provided me throughout my Iridium career, as well as Iridium’s Board of Directors.  I have cherished my Iridium experience, especially the relationships I’ve developed both internally and externally around the world.”

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles, Inc. and announced the Iridium Satellite Time and Location service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

Press Contact: 

Investor Contact:

Jordan Hassin

Kenneth Levy

Iridium Communications Inc.     

Iridium Communications Inc.

Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com

Ken.Levy@Iridium.com

+1 (703) 287-7421

+1 (703) 287-7570

X: @Iridiumcomm

 

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SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc.

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Big Jump SEO Partners with VHIS101 and HKVHIS to Launch AI Content Optimization Project for VHIS, Jointly Promoting Public Education on Healthcare Protection

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October 27, 2026

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HONG KONG, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To promote the importance of the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) to the public and raise awareness of healthcare protection, Big Jump SEO Solutions, a professional digital marketing and SEO consultancy, today officially announced a strategic partnership with two specialized health insurance information platforms, VHIS101 and HKVHIS. The three parties will jointly drive a large-scale AI content optimization project, utilizing technological synergies to deepen public healthcare protection education across Hong Kong.

Although the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme has been available for years, consumers still have many questions regarding the differences between Standard and Flexi Plans, premium tax deductions, and claims processes. In this collaboration, Big Jump SEO will provide top-tier SEO architecture and AI content optimization solutions to reshape, verify, and semantically upgrade tens of thousands of articles on medical insurance, life insurance, and critical illness insurance across the VHIS101 and HKVHIS websites. This not only ensures the authority and real-time accuracy of the information, but also allows search engines to deliver high-quality health insurance information more precisely to citizens in need.

A representative from Big Jump SEO stated: “We are honored to partner with VHIS101 and HKVHIS. Healthcare protection directly impacts the well-being of every citizen. By optimizing content delivery efficiency through AI and big data, we can break down information barriers and empower more citizens to understand the practical benefits of VHIS.”

Representatives from VHIS101 and HKVHIS added that this three-way partnership will help build a more credible information ecosystem for VHIS, life insurance, and critical illness insurance. Looking ahead, they will continue to utilize AI technology to launch more interactive coverage comparison tools and health education columns, comprehensively bolstering the healthcare defense awareness of Hong Kong citizens.

About Big Jump SEO Solutions

Big Jump SEO Solutions is a comprehensive digital marketing company that focuses on providing customized Search Engine Optimization (SEO), content marketing, and online advertising solutions for its clients. With in-depth industry experience and innovative strategies, Big Jump is committed to helping brands enhance their online visibility and stand out in the online market.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/big-jump-seo-partners-with-vhis101-and-hkvhis-to-launch-ai-content-optimization-project-for-vhis-jointly-promoting-public-education-on-healthcare-protection-302918241.html

SOURCE Big Jump SEO Solutions

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“Think Large & Demanding EMC Chambers, Think ERETEC” ERETEC Brings Its Large-Scale, Specialized EMC Chamber Expertise to Global Markets

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October 27, 2026

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ERETEC Inc. is accelerating its global expansion, drawing on its expertise in large-scale and specialized EMC chambers for defense, aerospace, and future mobility. Its 10-meter full-vehicle EMC chamber at KATECH demonstrates the company’s engineering capabilities in meeting the complex testing requirements of large electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Accelerating global expansion on Korea’s largest track record of ultra-large chambers, including the nation’s first satellite launch vehicle and high-power RCS EMC chambersProving proprietary engineering that surpasses global standards, as demonstrated by KATECH’s large-scale 10-meter full-vehicle chamberSecuring global competitiveness with turnkey solutions that go beyond construction, from bespoke design to maintenance

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — ERETEC Inc. (CEO Man Young Chi), Korea’s largest electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) chamber specialist, is launching a full-scale expansion into global markets, building on its track record of constructing large-scale and special-purpose chambers for advanced industries, including defense, aerospace, and future mobility.

“We will not rest on our laurels as Korea’s first and largest. With our optimized bespoke solutions and technical expertise, we aim to become a world-leading EMC chamber specialist.” Man Young Chi, CEO of ERETEC Inc.

ERETEC is a leading provider of turnkey solutions for large defense systems, satellite and space components (EMC/RF), automotive applications, and ultra-large commercial EMC chambers exceeding 20 meters. The company holds Korea’s largest track record in special-purpose chambers requiring advanced technical expertise, including the nation’s first satellite launch vehicle EMC chamber and first high-power RCS EMC chamber, setting the standard for Korea’s EMC infrastructure market.

An Unrivaled Track Record at Home as a Springboard for Global Expansion

Global demand for high-performance, large-scale EMC chambers has surged in recent years, driven by rising defense exports worldwide and the rapid growth of the electric vehicle and aerospace industries. Confident that its expertise in designing and building chambers of the highest technical complexity will give it a substantial technological edge in global markets, ERETEC is accelerating its overseas expansion.

A key reference project drawing significant attention from international buyers is the 10-meter full-vehicle EMC chamber for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute (KATECH), which showcases ERETEC’s proprietary technological capabilities.

Measuring 30 meters long, 25 meters wide, and 12 meters high, the chamber features an expansive Ø11-meter Quiet Zone, far exceeding the Ø6 meters at the upper end of conventional 10-meter EMC chambers. This allows large commercial vehicles such as electric buses and hydrogen trucks to be tested precisely in their entirety. Combined with a specialized area that supports loads of up to 50 tons, the chamber provides a world-class environment optimized for EMC testing of heavy zero-emission vehicles.

Bespoke Turnkey Solutions as a Global Differentiator

ERETEC’s core competitive advantage in the global chamber market lies in its ability to design bespoke chamber environments precisely tailored to each customer’s needs and product characteristics.

Going beyond chamber construction, the company provides comprehensive lifecycle engineering services, from proposing optimal EMC testing solutions to conducting tests, analyzing results, and providing ongoing global technical support after installation.

“We will not rest on our laurels as Korea’s first and largest,” said Man Young Chi, CEO of ERETEC. “Building on world-class references such as the KATECH full-vehicle EMC chamber, we will actively pursue opportunities in overseas markets.”

He added, “With our optimized bespoke solutions and technical expertise, we aim to become a world-leading EMC chamber specialist that contributes to the advancement of high-tech industries worldwide.”

Founded in 1999, ERETEC has pioneered electromagnetic compatibility, antenna and reverberation chamber design, and test and measurement solutions. The company has supplied high-quality EMC chambers, measurement systems, and robust electromagnetic pulse (EMP) protection solutions to customers in Korea and abroad, building a strong foundation of technical credibility.

Media Contact

Michelle Park, ERETEC INC., 82 31-345-1134, michelle.park@eretec.com, https://www.eretec.com/en/

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SOURCE ERETEC INC.

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New electrification index shows China out front as US risks stalling and Europe’s policies outpace delivery

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October 27, 2026

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LONDON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — China is pulling ahead on electrification, while the US risks losing momentum and some of Europe’s biggest economies have yet to translate policy into delivery, according to new analysis.

The Electrification Competitiveness Index assesses progress in 16 countries, measuring electrification delivery on the ground and the conditions needed for further progress. These enabling and deployment factors indicate how ready economies are for businesses to electrify operations.

The analysis exposes a widespread implementation gap, with policy and other enabling conditions ahead of electrification deployment across most countries.

The Index, developed by We Mean Business Coalition with support from RMI, assesses Australia, Brazil, China, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, UK and US.

Electrification, combined with clean power, can reduce fossil fuel reliance, strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to volatile fuel prices, support growth and productivity, cut emissions and improve health through cleaner air. It will be a key focus at COP31.

Countries are grouped in four categories:

Solid foundation – China, France, Spain: relatively strong deployment and strong enablers. China has the highest deployment score, backed by coordinated grid investment, industrial policy and incentives. France and Spain score well on grid performance and clean power shares. In all three countries, electricity prices are more competitive against gas than in most other economies assessed.

Potential for take-off – Germany, India, Italy, Poland, UK: enablers higher than deployment. The UK has the largest gap between policy and delivery. Electricity costs around five times as much as gas per unit of energy for UK industry, while Germany faces a grid connection backlog of hundreds of gigawatts.

Risk of stalling – US, Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Korea: deployment sits at/above the halfway mark with enablers below the median. In the US federal policy reversals and grid bottlenecks risk slowing momentum. The US has more than 2TW of generation and storage waiting in interconnection queues, compared with roughly 1.3TW of existing generating capacity.

Early-stage adoption – Indonesia, the Philippines and South Africa: below the halfway marks on deployment and enablers. Clean power accounts for 18% of generation in Indonesia and South Africa and 23% in the Philippines, while grid investment in all three is below 0.4% of GDP, against 0.65% average across the sample.

 

Report & full release: https://www.wemeanbusinesscoalition.org/blog/new-index-maps-electrification-competitiveness-of-countries/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-electrification-index-shows-china-out-front-as-us-risks-stalling-and-europes-policies-outpace-delivery-302913958.html

SOURCE We Mean Business Coalition(WMBC)

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