- Satellite Evolution
Panasonic Avionics names Chris Vandenberg as new Chief Software Engineer
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics) has appointed Chris VandenBerg as Chief Engineer (Software).
In this role, Chris will be responsible for delivering the company’s highly complex, end-to-end software that redefines how airlines interact with their passengers onboard the aircraft. He will report to CTO, Joe Bentley, and will lead a multi-disciplined and talented team of highly skilled individuals across Panasonic Avionics’ global footprint. Chris will also act as the company’s primary technical contact with its customers.
Bentley said, “Our customers are always looking for new ways to deliver an enhanced passenger experience, generate revenue, increase passenger engagement and improve operational efficiencies. Robust and reliable software will be the foundation for the kinds of products and solutions that help them achieve their organizational goals. Chris has a wealth of experience in software design and development and is highly knowledgeable in delivering a final production product from its concept phase. I am delighted to welcome him back to Panasonic Avionics where he will again be a major asset to our team.”
Chris has over 25 years of experience in software programming, hardware design, and system architecture. He re-joins Panasonic Avionics from Safran Passenger Innovations, where he was Technical Fellow – Head of Software Architecture from 2019, managing a team of software architectures and developers.
Chris brings 14 years of experience at Panasonic Avionics, having joined as Principal Software Engineer in 2004 and progressed to become CTO, Global Communications in 2016. During this time, he managed engineering teams in the company’s satellite communications division and designed the company’s Global IPTV system, including its first generation of IP back-haul and up-link distributions.
Chris VandenBerg said, “As an award-winning provider of in-flight entertainment and connectivity, Panasonic Avionics is a company I am very proud to be a part of, and I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues to enhance the standards of software engineering excellence that we deliver to our airline customers.”
Panasonic Avionics has led the industry in providing new ways to increase passenger engagement through its growing portfolio of digital solutions. Its immersive ArcTM 3D map product has been adopted by over 20 airlines since its debut at Aircraft Interiors in 2019. Its Marketplace solution, launched with Singapore airlines earlier this year, enables airlines to create turn-key eCommerce experiences by expanding their storefront retail and duty-free offerings onboard, with the ability to present dynamic inventory and initiate promotions throughout the customer journey.