Case StudyA new leadership chapter for ABS

Following a change in ownership, Agility Beyond Space (ABS) needed leadership capable of accelerating growth and strengthening its position in the global satellite communications market.

Beginning with the appointment of a new CEO, Wenham Carter partnered with the Board to build the executive team that continues to lead the business today.

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Business ContextPreparing the business for a new phase of international growth following acquisition

Agility Beyond Space (ABS) is a global satellite operator delivering secure communications and connectivity solutions to customers across telecoms, maritime, energy, enterprise, and government.

Following its acquisition, the business entered a new phase of growth, with an ambition to strengthen its international position, create shareholder value, and prepare for the future.

Realising those ambitions required the right leadership team.

The Growth ChallengeAppointing a CEO to build the foundations for long-term executive leadership

The Board’s first priority was appointing a Chief Executive Officer capable of leading ABS through its next stage of growth.

The role required an experienced satellite industry executive with the commercial, operational, and strategic leadership needed to scale an international business while balancing the expectations of shareholders, customers, and employees.

Just as importantly, the appointment needed to establish the leadership foundation upon which the wider executive team could be built.

The CEO appointment established the leadership foundation that the wider executive team could be built on.

Our ApproachBuilding long-term leadership through close partnership with the Board and investors

Wenham Carter partnered closely with the Chairman, Board, and investors to establish a shared view of the leadership capabilities required before the search began.

Together, we defined a highly targeted CEO profile, focusing on executives with deep satellite industry experience, international leadership credentials, commercial acumen, and a proven ability to lead operational change.

Following a global executive search across the satellite communications and wider aerospace sectors, ABS appointed Mark Rigolle as Chief Executive Officer. We also supported his relocation from Europe to Dubai to ensure a smooth transition into the business.

The success of the appointment established the foundation for a broader partnership. ABS subsequently retained Wenham Carter to build out the executive leadership team, leading to the appointments of the CTO, Chief Business Development Officer, General Counsel, and, more recently, Head of Cybersecurity.

Business OutcomeA strengthened executive team to support continued international expansion

The leadership team established through this partnership has helped strengthen ABS’s position within the global satellite communications market.

Today, the business continues to expand across telecoms, maritime, energy, enterprise, and government sectors while developing more flexible commercial models and diversified satellite and ground solutions for customers worldwide.

For Wenham Carter, the project evolved from a single executive search into a long-term strategic partnership, supporting ABS as it continues to grow and strengthen its international leadership team.

the CEO search process was thorough and speedy - what should have taken six months was concluded in three.

Parm Sandhu, Chairman, Agility Beyond Space

Stuart and the team at Wenham Carter were utterly focused, flexible, efficient and professional. The breadth of their network reach into the senior executive market for satellite communications and space was nothing short of impressive. All-in, the CEO search process was thorough and speedy - what should have taken six months was concluded in three. Highly competitive with the best in the industry!

Parm Sandhu, Chairman, Agility Beyond Space

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