SES has announced the passing of Robert (Bob) Bednarek, former CEO of SES World Skies and member of the SES Executive Committee, following and long and courageous battle with cancer.
Bednarek, who was aged 55, was instrumental in the execution of the company’s geographic expansion strategy, leading to the acquisition of New Skies in 2006 and integration that followed. He became president and CEO of SES New Skies in 2006, and later SES World Skies.
In 2011 he took on an executive advisor role to the president and CEO of SES while fighting his illness.
Romain Busch, president and CEO of SES, said: “Rob will be remembered as a dedicated and innovative professional who helped shape the world of modern satellite communications through his visions and inspirations.”
He added: ““His accomplishments at SES significantly contributed to establishing the company in its current leadership position and his life will remain a source of inspiration for generations of satellite executives. But perhaps most of all, Rob will be remembered for the dignity and respect with which he treated all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rob will be sadly missed by all of us at SES and by many in the satellite industry. Our thoughts and deep sympathies are with his wife Elisabeth, his children Michael and Stephanie, and all other members of Rob’s family.”
