Palmer announced as President of Inmarsat Maritime unit

(Posted on 16/10/21)

Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has today announced that Ben Palmer OBE will be joining the company as President of its Maritime Business Unit on 8th November 2021. Most recently head of Northrop Grumman’s Mission Systems division across Europe, Ben brings 25 years’ experience of driving transformational change in technology-heavy industries, including maritime, with a strong customer-centric focus and a track record of delivering results.

“Inmarsat is a company with growing momentum and I am delighted to welcome Ben Palmer to our executive team and as president of our maritime business at this pivotal time”, said Rajeev Suri, CEO of Inmarsat. “Supported by our market-leading technology platforms, including the recently announced ORCHESTRA and ELERA networks, Inmarsat is driving a step-change in growth. Customer-centricity is central to everything we do and Ben is the ideal leader to support our maritime partners and customers as they navigate a rapidly changing world and embrace the benefits of digitalisation.”

Inmarsat has been the world-leader in maritime satellite connectivity for over four decades, delivering the most flexible and reliable communication services for ship operations and crew welfare. Since the introduction of Fleet Xpress (FX) in 2016, it has become the industry’s leading digital connectivity platform and is now installed on over 11,000 vessels.

Rajeev Suri continued: “I wish to pay tribute to Ronald Spithout for his long and distinguished career at Inmarsat and his years of service to our maritime customers and partners. His leadership helped make Fleet Xpress the success it is today and I am delighted to report that our maritime business continues to show enhanced performance which forms a solid foundation for the future.   We wish Ronald every success in the future.”

Ronald Spithout has been with Inmarsat since 1988 (including his time at Stratos, Xantic and Station 12) and his numerous career highlights as a leading voice in the maritime industry include the rollout of Fleet Xpress and the work he has done spearheading the digitalisation of shipping.

Latest News

Greek industrial gateway powers growth with electric Konecranes Gottwald MHC

As part of a plan to double its capacity while controlling emissions, Port of Thisvi operator DIA.VI... Read more

Bulker operator Norse Ship Management deploys Inmarsat NexusWave

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, together with distribution partner Station Satcom have secured... Read more

Nectar expands SE Asia presence with additional mobile bagging machines

Nectar Group, a leading provider of logistics and cargo handling solutions, is further solidifying its... Read more

US marine descaler Seascour strikes deal to supply historic Great Lakes vessel

Florida headquartered maritime innovator Seascour has struck a second deal to supply its organic marine... Read more

E-Crane introduces faster, safer and smarter bulk pan handling

E-Crane has introduced an innovative tilting device that redefines how bulk materials such as scrap... Read more

Fifth Siwertell road-mobile ship unloader for long-standing Med operator

Bruks Siwertell has delivered a next-generation Siwertell 10 000 S road-mobile ship unloader to a returning... Read more

Rethinking fuel efficiency in maritime shipping

The maritime sector’s longstanding reliance on Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) and manufacturer... Read more

Kaiko: Digitalisation won’t replace seafarers it will empower them

Shipping’s reliance on outdated, paper-driven compliance processes is putting unnecessary strain... Read more

GSM and Neuero launch Argentina’s first floating grain terminal

Grupo Servicios Marítimos (GSM), in partnership with Neuero, has delivered a groundbreaking solution... Read more

Welcome Maritime Wi-Fi praised in global crew survey

Elcome International’s WELCOME Maritime Wi-Fi, now marking one year of service, has emerged as... Read more