Tim Kienberger appointed CEO of LeoStella

Rhea-AI Summary

LeoStella, a U.S.-based satellite design and manufacturing company, has appointed Tim Kienberger as its new CEO, succeeding Mike Hettich, who has retired after leading the company since 2019. Kienberger, with three decades of experience in aerospace and defense, will guide LeoStella through significant market growth, as demand for small satellites is expected to triple in the coming years. The company, a joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky (BKSY), aims to enhance its satellite production capabilities to meet the increasing market demand.

Positive

• Appointment of Tim Kienberger as CEO may enhance leadership and strategic direction.
• Increasing demand for small satellites presents significant growth opportunities.

Negative

• None.

Career space industry executive to lead agile satellite manufacturing company through next phase of growth

TUKWILA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LeoStella, a U.S.-based, specialized satellite design and manufacturing company, has appointed aerospace and technology industry leader Tim Kienberger to succeed Mike Hettich as CEO. Hettich has retired from LeoStella after leading the company since 2019.

Tim Kienberger appointed CEO of LeoStella (Photo: Business Wire)

LeoStella is a 50-50 joint venture between Thales Alenia Space, a French-Italian aerospace company, and BlackSky (NYSE: BKSY), a leading provider of real-time geospatial intelligence.

"Tim's leadership will play a critical role as LeoStella capitalizes on the growing market demand for mission-flexible commercial small satellite products and services at scale," said BlackSky CEO Brian E. O'Toole. "His proven experience guiding business growth will be important for the next chapter of success, particularly as LeoStella moves into production on BlackSky's next generation of satellites."

Kienberger takes the helm of LeoStella during a time of significant market growth when the demand for small satellites is expected to triple over the next few years. He will continue this growth and lead the company in developing new products and refining its manufacturing techniques to meet the increasing demand for smallsats.

"We warmly welcome Tim as the new CEO of LeoStella," said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. "Teaming up with BlackSky to create LeoStella has been instrumental for Thales' new space strategy, and we are proud of the many successes and achievements we have accomplished together."

"Tim’s leadership will be important in addressing new market opportunities as LeoStella emerges as a market leader of smallsat manufacturing and constellation development," Derrey added.

Kienberger joins LeoStella with three decades of aerospace and defense technology experience, leading market strategy, operations management, program execution and business growth in small spacecraft emerging markets at companies including Boeing and L3Harris. Kienberger has led teams through successful rapid development, launch and operations of small spacecraft constellations while meeting cost, schedule and technical performance goals.

About LeoStella

LeoStella is a state-of-the-art satellite design and manufacturing company transforming constellation construction by building smallsats cost-effectively and at scale. Based in Tukwila, Washington, LeoStella is a joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky. The company was founded to meet the growing demand for efficient satellite development and manufacturing arising from the increasing number of constellations. For more information, visit https://www.leostella.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230124005347/en/

LeoStella Press Contact:

Colleen Moffitt

media@leostella.com

Tel: 206-282-4923 ext. 113

Source: LeoStella

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of BlackSky's joint venture LeoStella?

Tim Kienberger has been appointed as the new CEO of LeoStella.

What is the significance of Tim Kienberger's appointment for BlackSky (BKSY)?

Kienberger's leadership is expected to drive growth in small satellite production for BlackSky.

How will the market demand for small satellites affect LeoStella?

The demand for small satellites is expected to triple, providing LeoStella with substantial growth opportunities.

What type of products will LeoStella develop under Tim Kienberger's leadership?

LeoStella will focus on developing mission-flexible commercial small satellite products and services.

What companies are involved in the joint venture LeoStella?

LeoStella is a joint venture between Thales Alenia Space and BlackSky (BKSY).