New GSOA leadership to drive satellite industry’s role in a connected, sustainable future

GSOA has announced the appointment of Ali Al Hashemi, CEO of Space Services at Space42, as its new Chair of the Board, alongside two new Vice Chairs: Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, and Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, CEO of NIGCOMSAT.



GSOA represents the full satellite ecosystem, from established operators to emerging innovators across all orbits and frequency bands. In an era of accelerating digital transformation, satellite technology has become a critical enabler of innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion - helping to connect the unconnected, power digital economies, and deliver resilient communications in even the most remote or underserved regions.

Ali Al Hashemi, new Chair and CEO of Space Services, Space42, said, “This is deeply meaningful to me personally and professionally. Having served as Vice Chair of GSOA since 2023, this election reflects the trust and confidence my fellow industry leaders have placed in me and our region's contributions to global satellite innovation. I am honored by this responsibility and excited to build on GSOA's incredible foundation. Our region has always been at the crossroads of innovation and connection, and I'm thrilled to bring that perspective to an industry that literally connects our world.”

Adel Al-Saleh, new Vice Chair and CEO of SES added: “The satellite industry is going through unprecedented transformation, driven by multi-orbit architectures, cloud integration, and growing demand for low-latency and resilient networks. GSOA’s leadership in helping shape regulatory frameworks and policy dialogue is critical, and I look forward to contributing to this important work.”

Jane Egerton-Idehen, new Vice Chair and CEO of NIGCOMSAT, emphasised the power of satellite to deliver equitable digital access. “In emerging markets, satellite is often the only viable solution to bridge the digital divide. I am proud to help bring diverse perspectives to the global conversation and support GSOA in promoting inclusive and sustainable connectivity,” she affirms.

Under its new leadership, GSOA will continue to advocate for fair spectrum access, balanced regulatory policies, and responsible use of space. The association is actively engaged in global fora to promote sustainable practices, protect orbital environments, and ensure satellite services remain a key pillar of resilient infrastructure worldwide.

Isabelle Mauro, Director General of GSOA, welcomed the appointments, stating: “Ali, Adel, and Jane bring unique insights and leadership at a time when global collaboration across the ecosystem is more important than ever. GSOA’s role is to unite the satellite industry to speak with one voice to promote the essential value we bring to society, from emergency response and climate monitoring to universal broadband access.”