New Appointments News

Hispasat appoints Pedro Duque as President

Duque had gained recognition for being the first Spanish astronaut to journey into space, participating in an expedition to the ISS under the European Space Agency.

The Board of Directors of Hispasat, the Spanish satellite communications operator under Redeia, has confirmed the appointment of Pedro Duque as the company’s new president. This pivotal decision follows an extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting where the Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales (SEPI), a shareholder holding 7.41% of Hispasat, proposed Pedro Duque to assume the role, succeeding Jordi Hereu.

A distinguished aeronautical engineer from the Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Pedro Duque achieved prominence as an astronaut for the European Space Agency (ESA), completing two space flights in 1998 and 2003. His enduring association with the space industry continued until 2018, encompassing various managerial and operational roles at ESA, along with serving as the executive president of the private satellite company, Deimos Imaging. From June 2018 to July 2021, Pedro Duque held the position of Minister of Science and Innovation in the Government of Spain.

Embracing a new professional challenge, Pedro Duque commits to leveraging his extensive expertise to consolidate and enhance Hispasat’s value for both shareholders and the nation.

In addition to the presidential appointment, the Board of Directors approved the inclusion of two new members. Therese Jamaa, proposed by Redeia, and Carlos de la Cruz, proposed by CDTI, join the leadership team. Therese Jamaa, currently the vice president of the Spanish Red Cross Foundation, brings her experience as a member of the Board of Directors of Aigües de Barcelona and the Diversity Advisory Committee of Caixabank. Carlos de la Cruz, an Industrial Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid with an International MBA, adds his expertise in business management to the Board.