Satcoms Innovation Group Appoints Helen Weedon as Managing Director

The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) has appointed Helen Weedon as Managing Director. The appointment marks significant restructuring of the innovation forum. Helen succeeds Martin Coleman who will commence as a member of the group’s advisory board.

Helen has played a pivotal role within the group since 2011, in which time she has developed and implemented membership and public relations strategies. Through her own PR agency (established in 2007) Helen has built up extensive knowledge and experience within the satellite industry.

Andreas Voigt of Eutelsat, Guido Baraglia of Kratos Communications and Mark Steel of Inmarsat will deliver technical expertise by resuming their roles as directors of the group. Alongside Martin Coleman, the SIG advisory board includes representatives from ArabSat, GOVSAT, Intelsat and SES. As part of the restructuring, the organisation has been relocated to mainland UK from the Isle of Man.

SIG will continue to promote innovation within the satellite communication industry with the aim of improving operational efficiency and reducing impact. In an evolving satellite ecosystem, SIG provides members with an opportunity to discuss a wide range of subjects affecting the industry with other satcom professionals. The collaborative style of networking ensures that the satcom industry develops innovative solutions to remain at the forefront of connectivity.

Helen Weedon, Managing Director of SIG, commented, “In recent years, SIG has played a pivotal role in driving innovation within the industry. As part of its restructure, the group will look to continue providing valuable opportunities for members. I am looking forward to building on the existing success of the forum; our goal is to become an invaluable resource for the satellite industry as an incubator of innovation.”

Martin Coleman, Board Advisor, added, “Ensuring that SIG remains a leading industry group is hugely important, and this restructuring is allowing the group to enhance its offerings and deliver a flexible and dynamic platform to its members. Appointing Helen has been an obvious choice – her experience within business paired with her dynamic approach to the industry will see her leading the group to success. Her knowledge partnered with the technical expertise of the directors and advisory board will see SIG thrive in the years to come. The group is embarking on its most dynamic change since 2011; it’s an exciting time for the directors and board members, with 2020 promising to be a successful year.”

As part of its updated membership fee structure, SIG has introduced both start-up and academic membership tiers to promote the group’s accessibility for new businesses and academic projects. Start-ups may join SIG for an annual fee of £500. The Academic membership tier is free to those who qualify.

With an era of new requirements upon us, such as request fulfilment and incident management, the Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) aims to promote innovation in the satellite communication industry to improve operational efficiency and reduce impact, saving time and money. As an open forum to generate innovative thinking, it enables the industry to come together and discuss current challenges. This helps manufacturers and service providers to deliver innovations and solutions that respond more precisely to those challenges. Those solutions will then be promoted through SIG channels, including events, website, social media, and in discussions with SIG’s industry network.