RIYADH — Neo Space Group (NSG), Saudi Arabia’s leading commercial communications and technology space company, has announced the appointment of international telecoms industry veteran Martijn Blanken as its new group Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

NSG, a new Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, focuses on pursuing strategic and commercially attractive space opportunities with a broad portfolio of communications services. It aims to unlock the potential of space from Saudi Arabia to the world by delivering advanced satellite communication services through different orbits. Additionally, NSG will invest in innovative start-ups, partner with world-class space companies, and localize key activities to the Kingdom.

The Board of Directors of NSG, chaired by Abdullah Al Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, appointed Martijn Blanken as CEO. Blanken brings over 25 years of experience in the global telecommunications and technology industry to his new role.

He joins NSG from EXA Infrastructure, where he was CEO, and previously served as a senior advisor to Squared Capital. Before that, he was the Group Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at Telstra Corporation and CEO of Telstra Global, transforming it into the leading service provider in Asia Pacific.

Blanken said: “It’s a true privilege to lead NSG. The space industry is rapidly transforming and is wide open for disruption, so the launch of NSG is very well-timed. We believe that by putting the customer’s needs at the center of everything we do, leveraging existing assets in the industry in combination with investments in new capabilities, we will be able to become an effective disrupter and challenger brand in the global space economy and a national champion for Saudi’s space ambitions.”

NSG is a wholly owned PIF company aligned with Vision 2030. It will pursue strategic and commercially feasible space sector opportunities, investing in promising new space technology start-ups and entrepreneurs both in Saudi Arabia and globally. NSG aims to create a global commercial space communications leader, further fueling the diversification, job creation, and transformation of Saudi Arabia’s economy. — SG