Intelsat names Africa sales chief

Brian Jakins

Satellite operator Intelsat has named Brian Jakins as its new regional vice-president of sales for Africa.

Jakins, who will be based in Johannesburg and will report to Jean-Philippe Gillet, vice-president, Europe, Middle East and Africa, will lead Intelsat’s African sales team and support the growth of Intelsat’s broadband, mobility and media customers operating in the region.  He will also be responsible for the design and implementation of the company’s sales strategy and business development across Africa.

He was previously vice-president of sales and services Africa at Aviat Networks, a provider of microwave networking solutions.

“Brian has a proven track record of developing strong customer relationships and delivering innovative solutions that have enabled telecommunications companies in Africa to grow their businesses in the most cost-efficient manner,” said Gillet.

“His expertise and understanding of the opportunities facing media and broadband customers in the region will be essential, particularly as we prepare to launch Intelsat 33e, our next-generation Intelsat Epic^NG satellite.  I look forward to working closely with Brian and his team as Intelsat brings new satellite solutions to Africa that will deliver the higher performance and improved economics necessary to allow customers in the region to meet changing content distribution and broadband demands, and capitalise on fast-growing new applications coming to market.”