Former SES World Skies CEO Bednarek dies at 55

Robert Bednarek, the former CEO of SES World Skies and a member of the SES executive committee, has died at the age of 55.

Bednarek, who had been suffering from cancer, led the acquisition of New Skies by SES in 2006, as well as the integration process which followed. He became President and CEO of SES New Skies in 2006, and later of SES World Skies. In 2011 he took on an executive adviser role to the president and CEO of SES while fighting his illness. He joined SES from PanAmSat, where he held the position of chief technology officer.

“Rob will be remembered as a dedicated and innovative professional who helped shape the world of modern satellite communications through his visions and inspirations,” stated Romain Bausch, president and CEO of SES. “His accomplishments at SES significantly contributed to establishing the company in its current leadership position and his life will remain a source of inspiration for generations of satellite executives. But perhaps most of all, Rob will be remembered for the dignity and respect with which he treated all who were fortunate enough to know him. Rob will be sadly missed by all of us at SES and by many in the satellite industry. Our thoughts and deep sympathies are with his wife Elisabeth, his children Michael and Stephanie, and all other members of Rob’s family.”