Manx satellite firm the ManSat Group has appointed John Sheath as its new Chief Financial Officer and Finance Director as part of the company’s continued plan for international growth.
A chartered director specialising in Risk & Corporate Governance, John is an experienced funds director who has worked with a range of governments, private offices, banks and fiduciaries around the globe.
John, who has spent the last decade working with the International Institute of Space Commerce, will be based at ManSat’s new Isle of Man office in Fort Anne on Douglas.
As a non-executive director, he provides oversight and governance to several regulated businesses and funds, engaging directly with the Isle of Man Government and the Space industry.
John is passionate about learning and technology and is an ambassador for the Institute of Directors chartered director programme.
He says: “I am delighted to be taking my knowledge of this sector to even deeper levels, getting to grips with the intricacies of satellite licensing.
“Although the ManSat team is spread over different continents, it works really well together and I am delighted to be working with such a diligent, knowledgeable and committed group of people.”
The group, which carries out satellite filings for the Isle of Man under a contract with the Isle of Man Government's Communications Commission, has also opened a new office in California as part of its international expansion.
The California office is headed up by Katherine Gizinski, who has joined the ManSat Group as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Before joining ManSat Katherine worked with U.S. defense contractors to bring cutting edge commercial satellite and terrestrial communication technologies to austere environments in support of military, diplomatic, first responder, and commercial initiatives.
Katherine says: “I’m excited to join the ManSat team.
“It’s a privilege to work with such an exceptional group of people.
“There’s been a lot of innovation in the satellite industry over the last few years.
“ManSat has done a remarkable job of adapting to the changing landscape and I’m looking forward to driving more growth as we expand our service offerings next year.
“When it comes to Community Social Responsibility, it’s rare to find a company that walks the walk.
“ManSat has done a great deal with community and educational programs both in the Isle of Man and abroad.
“I’m glad to be part of an organisation that’s so invested in the future of Space and S.T.E.M. education.
“To that end, I look forward to continuing my own education at the International Space University next year.”
Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly says: “It is great to see a Manx company expanding internationally while building upon its base here in the Isle of Man.
“The Island has a positive ecosystem of funding and support to help growing businesses and we look forward to more international growth from ManSat in the future.”
