Dave Wajsgras
CEO
Intelsat
Intelsat CEO Dave Wajsgras Receives 2023 Wash100 Recognition for Satcom Innovation Leadership Efforts
Executive Mosaic is pleased to unveil Intelsat CEO Dave Wajsgras as a 2023 Wash100 Award winner in recognition of his leadership in driving satellite communications innovation to facilitate the delivery of seamless connectivity to organizations and people worldwide. This marks the seventh time that Wasjgras has been chosen to Executive Mosaic’s annual list of the top 100 leaders that made a notable impact on government contracting activity.
“Dave is among our winningest recipients of the Wash100. This year’s award, however, is his first with Intelsat — his previous awards were while leading Raytheon,” said Jim Garrettson, CEO of Executive Mosaic and creator of the Wash100 Award. “One of the most obvious bets to make in government contracting would be Dave’s ability to leverage his significant success to accelerate the growth and evolution of Intelsat,” Garrettson added.
Wajsgras took the helm of Intelsat in April 2022. In this capacity, he advances innovation and delivers long-term value to stakeholders across the government, broadband, mobility, media and commercial aviation sectors.
“While the company has made history over nearly 60 years, it’s Intelsat’s future that excites me most. With a focus on customers and a commitment to delivering on our promises, we’re ready to write the next chapter in the story of communications and connectivity,” he said at the time of his appointment.
A month after Wajsgras assumed the top post at Intelsat, the company expanded its executive team with the appointment of four aerospace and technology executives to market and innovation roles in line with its strategy to offer transformational technology-powered global connections.
“[The appointees] will help the team position our company to deliver on our strategic objectives,” the chief executive commented, adding that they also demonstrate the commitment to ensuring that customers stay connected through the company’s unified communications network.
In an exclusive interview with Via Satellite, Wajsgras said he considers defense and mobility as key channels for future growth at the satellite communications services provider and that consolidation in the satellite industry could help drive innovation and competition by combining complementary capabilities.
He also offered updates on a $2 billion unified network designed to transform global connectivity through the use of 5G and software-defined ground and space assets.
In December, two Maxar Technologies-built geostationary satellites launched to support Intelsat’s C-band spectrum transition.
Wajsgras said the company had demonstrated its continued commitment to media clients through the launch.
“The continued refreshment of the Galaxy fleet will provide broadcast viewers with quality programming all across North America,” he added.
In April 2022, Intelsat launched a new connectivity offering – Cloud Connect Media service – designed to help programmers securely access both Amazon Web Services and the IntelsatOne Media Network.
Intelsat also collaborated with Partner2Connect Digital Coalition to bring broadband service to unserved populations through satellite connectivity.
“The Partner2Connect Digital Coalition is a great initiative to accelerate and promote digital inclusion. Contributing to this common goal is part of Intelsat’s mission – and developing innovative, space-based technology that solves complex communications issues is central to our work,” commented Wajsgras.
Prior to Intelsat, Wajsgras was president of Raytheon’s intelligence, information and services unit. He also served as an executive vice president and chief financial officer at Lear.
Executive Mosaic congratulates Dave Wajsgras and the Intelsat team for their selection to receive the 2023 Wash100 Award. Cast a vote now for your favorite GovCon champion at Wash100.com! Site visitors can select 10 executives for our Popular Vote rankings until April 28.