SSL grows exec team with Marks, Sarojak

Spacecraft manufacturer SSL said Tuesday it has hired a pair of executives to focus on the business’ opportunities in small satellites or “smallsats” and Earth observation systems.

The unit of space company Maxar Technologies appointed former Thales Group executive Adam Marks as chief strategy officer to focus on next-generation communications and space systems for commercial and government entities.

Marks was vice president of strategy and corporate development at Thales and also has worked at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he advised Defense Department and aerospace industry clients.

SSL has also named BAE Systems veteran Mark Sarojak as vice president of the commercial Earth observation business that includes remote sensing systems. Sarojak will focus on strategies to spur adoption of satellite-enabled technologies and applications for smallsats.

He spent 11 years at BAE and there he developed commercial strategies, led global sales and marketing teams, and grew partner networks. Sarojak more recently was CEO at geospatial cybersecurity startup GeoNeo.

Maxar launched under its current name and business structure in October upon the combination of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates with DigitalGlobe.

Both MDA and DigitalGlobe are now business segments of Maxar alongside SSL (formerly Space Systems Loral) and the more  services-focused Radiant Solutions unit.