Viasat Announces Leadership Evolution
Nov. 5, 2020
Viasat Inc. announced that
Viasat's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Mark Dankberg has become Executive Chairman of
the Company, a new position. He is continuing in
his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors
of Viasat, Inc. The Company's President and
Chief Operating Officer, Rick Baldridge, has
been named President and Chief Executive
Officer. These executive changes went into
effect on November 3, 2020.
Viasat executives: Mark
Dankberg, executive chairman and Rick Baldridge,
president & CEO
This evolution formalizes
the way Dankberg and Baldridge have been
operating for the past several years. As
Executive Chairman, Dankberg will continue to
focus on advancing the strategic technology and
business direction of the Company, as well as
continue to influence the national and global
space and broadband regulatory environments that
are critical to Viasat's global strategy. As
President and CEO, Baldridge will continue his
executive and operational leadership, with a
focus on building and growing a customer-centric
organization that will continue to deliver
compelling global services and products.
Baldridge will maintain his seat on the Viasat
Board of Directors.
This leadership evolution
is an initial step in the Company's long-term
succession plan, creating a foundation for the
development of future generations of executive
leadership. This seamless transition comes at an
important time in Viasat's growth where the
demands for innovation, leadership and
operational execution are paramount in scaling
the Company as it prepares for the impending
launch of the ViaSat-3 global constellation. The
new constellation will expand Viasat's reach and
capabilities into new geographies and emerging
vertical markets, further broadening the
Company's broadband and technology leadership
positions.
"This represents a natural
evolution and will best serve the interests of
Viasat's long-term future, as we execute against
our plan to deliver ubiquitous, affordable
connectivity that will help close the global
digital divide," said Dankberg. "Rick has been
managing virtually all of the Company's
operations and key direct reports for several
years, while I have been focused on technology
innovation, industry thought leadership and
regulatory issues at a time of dynamic change
and opportunity within the space and broadband
sectors. I'm very pleased Rick has agreed to
take on the CEO role. We have built a close
relationship through the years that is reflected
in every part of Viasat – from our company
culture, to our business strategies and
operational execution. And for me personally,
this is an opportunity to define a role where I
can continue to contribute to our success for
years to come."
Baldridge commented, "I am
honored to lead Viasat, a company that I have
devoted many years to help build. We have
leading technology, strong business segments,
exceptional people and the resources needed to
make the Company a formidable global player in
broadband communications. In working with the
Board of Directors, Mark and the global Viasat
team, we will continue to embrace new and
emerging technologies that enable us to elevate
our customers' experiences, extend our market
leadership and deliver long-term, differentiated
value for our stakeholders. On a personal note,
I want to thank Mark for his continued
confidence and trust in what we can achieve
together—we have worked hand-in-hand for quite
some time dividing tasks on a situational basis.
This transition gives us the chance to form a
stronger structure for future succession and
global growth."
Sean Pak, lead independent
director, Viasat Board of Directors added,
"Viasat is taking an important, thoughtful and
strategic first step in its leadership
succession planning to ensure the Company's
long-term future as a global communications
leader. Mark and Rick offer complementary
skills, and initiating this seamless evolution
at a key moment in the Company's development,
assures our stakeholders will continue to
benefit from their talents."