Global satellite communication leader, Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), announced on April 13, 2023, the appointment of K. Guru Gowrappan as the new company President, effective immediately. Gowrappan will work closely with Mark Dankberg, Viasat’s Chairman of the Board and CEO, in leading the company’s global operations and growth strategy. The appointment of Gowrappan is seen as a significant step towards Viasat’s expansion and the future of the satellite industry.
A Leader with Over 20 Years of Experience
Guru Gowrappan brings over 20 years of executive leadership and technology experience to Viasat. He has a diverse background across different technology sectors, coupled with a product-driven mindset, enabling him to deliver innovative customer-first experiences that create value for brands and partners. Gowrappan previously served as the CEO of Verizon Media Group, the media division of Verizon Communications, Inc. where he led and grew leading brands such as Yahoo, HuffPost, and TechCrunch.
During his tenure, Gowrappan focused on international growth initiatives at Alibaba and Zynga, where he held various leadership roles. He also brings a successful track record in value creation via large-scale mergers and acquisitions, including a reputation for data-driven operational efficiency and innovative business strategies.
In his new role at Viasat, Gowrappan’s strong background in mergers and acquisitions, interactive digital products, sharp focus on cost-effective execution, and attention to organizational culture will enable the company to realize its operational and financial goals. With his extensive international technology experience, he is expected to play a vital role in scaling Viasat’s fixed and mobile businesses globally, delivering content to millions of users, and identifying new growth opportunities.
Excitement for a Transformative Time
In response to his appointment, Gowrappan expressed his excitement to be joining Viasat at such a dynamic and transformative time for the company. The satellite industry is experiencing unprecedented change in the way customers experience connectivity, interactivity, and mobility, and Gowrappan sees Viasat as being at the forefront of this change. He believes that the Viasat team is the best in the business, having developed a strong foundation in serving customers and delivering products with a technology advantage. He is committed to building on this momentum with Dankberg and continuing to strengthen Viasat’s customer-first approach.
Industry Transformations and Innovations
The appointment of Gowrappan comes at a time when the satellite industry is undergoing significant transformations and innovations. The industry is rapidly moving towards more advanced technologies, making satellite connectivity more accessible to customers worldwide. With the launch of ViaSat-3, Viasat’s next-generation global satellite constellation, the company is expected to become the first to offer global coverage with high-speed, high-quality, affordable broadband.
Viasat is also set to acquire Inmarsat, a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, pending regulatory approval. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Viasat’s global reach and capabilities, enabling the company to offer a broader range of products and services to customers worldwide.
Conclusion
The appointment of Guru Gowrappan as the new President of Viasat marks an exciting new chapter for the global satellite communication leader. His extensive international technology experience and track record in value creation via large-scale mergers and acquisitions are expected to play a significant role in scaling Viasat’s operations and realizing its operational and financial goals. With the satellite industry undergoing significant transformations and innovations, Gowrappan’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Viasat as the company continues to drive the future of the industry forward.
