Michele Franci Appointed VP Commercial, Inmarsat Global Xpress(R)

LONDON, September 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has appointed Michele Franci as VP Commercial, Global Xpress.

Inmarsat Global continues to build the Global Xpress team to deliver Inmarsat's next generation Global Xpress programme.  Global Xpress will offer seamless global coverage and deliver unprecedented mobile broadband speeds of up to 50mbps for users in the government, maritime, enterprise, energy and aeronautical sectors.

Based in Nyon, Switzerland, Franci will be responsible for the execution of the GX programme, bringing it to its commercial launch. This includes operational practices, regulatory and market access programmes and leading the establishment of distribution agreements across all sectors.   He will take the lead on programme management aspects of the project, including oversight of the master schedule for the space segment, ground segment, distribution development and regulatory aspects.  With his industry background and market knowledge, he will enhance Inmarsat's traditional strengths and coordinate a comprehensive sales and business development approach to include in the GX reach all high rate data intensive traffic services, from mobility to wider enterprise and media markets worldwide.

Franci worked at SES from 2006 to 2012. As SVP for Planning and Procurement he was part of the Engineering management committee, responsible for the SES fleet management, mission design and development, satellite and launcher procurement and risk management.  Prior to that, he worked at Arianespace.  Initially responsible for mission management (including twelve launch campaigns) he was later appointed VP, Business Development, leading the marketing group, including commercial strategy and proposals, long-term strategic development and sales oversight.  Between 2000 and 2005 Franci was a member of Arianespace's Board of Directors.  Before that, Franci spent five years with Fokker Space, in the Netherlands, as Program Manager of a European multinational robotic arm development for use on the International Space Station. He also spent one year in ESTEC, in the Netherlands, as part of the advanced studies and simulation department.

Leo Mondale, Managing Director of the Global Xpress programme, comments:   "I am particularly glad to have Michele on board to ensure timely execution of all aspects of the programme leading to a timely commercial launch.   He brings noteworthy experience to the team, informed as he is by his experience in the FSS and launch industries.  Michele will be a welcomed addition to the Global Xpress team.  His appointment will enhance the strengths of our extensively matrixed organizations and maintain effective oversight and accountability of this key project for Inmarsat as we take on the challenges of simultaneous deployment of a constellation of satellites and ground segment, and bring our game-changing new Ka-band service to the satellite marketplace."

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2011, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,409m and an EBITDA of US$854m. For the six months ended 30 June 2012, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$684m and an EBITDA of US$381m. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L).

For more information, please visit http://www.inmarsat.com