Inmarsat appoints former Nokia chief Rajeev Suri as CEO

Inmarsat has announced that Rajeev Suri, former Nokia CEO, will join the business and assume the role of CEO and become a director of Connect Bidco Limited, the holding company for Inmarsat, from 1 March 2021. Rupert Pearce will step down as CEO from 28 February 2021.

Suri served as president and chief executive of Nokia from April 2014 to August 2020. During that time Nokia shifted focus from mobile phones to broader telecommunications infrastructure such as 5G networks, as well as software. Since leaving Nokia he has served as an adviser for private equity firms Warburg Pincus and Apollo Global Management.

Speaking about the appointment, Andrew Sukawaty Inmarsat’s Chairman, said: “The Board is delighted to welcome Rajeev to Inmarsat and we look forward to working closely with him and with the existing Executive team. Rajeev’s experience will support Inmarsat’s future growth and we look forward to the business transitioning successfully to another capable leader.”

Sukawaty continued: “Rupert has been with Inmarsat for 16 years and as its CEO for just over nine years and has led many initiatives and accomplishments which have laid the foundation for the future. He has been an excellent and forward-thinking leader and the Board and I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Rupert for his tremendous contributions to Inmarsat. I am delighted also that Rupert will provide advisory services to Rajeev for a transitional period.”

Rajeev Suri added: “I am very excited to join Inmarsat, and to work closely with such skilled people, at such an important moment for the company and the satellite communications industry as a whole. I have been very impressed by the capabilities and ambitions of the company and its partner community and wish to pay tribute to their ethos, drive and ingenuity. Together, they have established technology leadership in satellite mobility, underpinned by a unique understanding of the customer.”

Rupert Pearce said: “Inmarsat has established itself as a world leader in space technology and I feel privileged to have worked with such a dedicated and talented group of people during my time at the company.  I wish Rajeev and the company the very best for the exciting future ahead.”