The Board of Directors of Neo Space Group (NSG), a Public Investment Fund-backed company and a commercial space services provider in Saudi Arabia, has announced the appointment of Haithem Mohammed Mojil Alfaraj as its new Chief Executive Officer. He officially assumes the role on April 9, 2026, succeeding Martijn Blanken, who has led the company since its establishment.
The leadership transition marks a planned move as NSG enters a new phase of accelerated growth, building on the foundation laid during its launch and early expansion.
Alfaraj brings over 20 years of experience in telecommunications and technology leadership. He most recently served as Group Chief Technology Officer at stc, where he spearheaded key transformation initiatives, including network modernisation, digital platform development, cloud adoption and cybersecurity enhancements, helping position the company as a major digital technology player.
Earlier in his career, he held senior technology roles at Mobily and began his professional journey at Saudi Aramco, gaining extensive expertise in large-scale engineering and technology operations. Beyond his corporate roles, Alfaraj is also a member of the GSMA Technology Group Board and serves on the board of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a collaboration between KACST and the World Economic Forum.
Launched by Public Investment Fund in May 2024, NSG was created to develop a national space champion and accelerate the Kingdom’s space economy. In under two years, the company has established a fully operational, multi-domain platform through strategic acquisitions, including Taqnia ETS, UP42 and Display Interactive. It has also developed capabilities spanning geospatial and Earth observation, satellite communications and in-flight connectivity.
NSG recently secured approval from the Communications, Space & Technology Commission for its Earth observation platform services and launched the Kingdom’s first Earth observation marketplace powered by UP42. The company has further expanded its commercial reach by deploying in-flight connectivity services with major airlines, including Riyadh Air, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, AEGEAN Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways.
As NSG moves into its next stage, the company will prioritise the commercialisation of sovereign space infrastructure, including the SGS-1 satellite, while expanding its role across government and commercial sectors in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
With continued backing from the Public Investment Fund, NSG is positioned to scale its operations, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s sovereign space capabilities and enhance the Kingdom’s standing in the global space economy.
