Manx satellite firm the ManSat Group has appointed John Sheath as its new chief financial officer and finance director as part of the company’s continued plan for international growth.

A chartered director specialising in risk and corporate governance, John is an experienced funds director who has worked with a range of governments, private offices, banks and fiduciaries around the globe.

John, who has spent the last decade working with the International Institute of Space Commerce, will be based at ManSat’s new Isle of Man office in Fort Anne on Head Road, Douglas, the company having relocated from Athol Street.

As a non-executive director, he provides oversight and governance to several regulated businesses and funds, engaging directly with the Isle of Man Government and the space industry, and was formerly managing director of Bradford & Bingley International.

John is passionate about learning and technology and is an ambassador for the Institute of Directors chartered director programme.

He said: ’I am delighted to be taking my knowledge of this sector to even deeper levels, getting to grips with the intricacies of satellite licensing.

’Although the ManSat team is spread over different continents, it works really well together and I am delighted to be working with such a diligent, knowledgeable and committed group of people.’

Meanwhile, the Group, which carries out satellite filings for the Isle of Man under a contract with the Isle of Man Government’s Communications Commission, has opened a new office in California as part of its international expansion.

The California office is headed up by Katherine Gizinski, who has joined the ManSat Group as vice president of sales and marketing.

Before joining ManSat, Katherine worked with U.S. defence contractors to bring cutting edge commercial satellite and terrestrial communication technologies to austere environments in support of military, diplomatic, first responder, and commercial initiatives.

Katherine said: ’I’m excited to join the ManSat team.

’It’s a privilege to work with such an exceptional group of people.

’There’s been a lot of innovation in the satellite industry over the last few years.

’ManSat has done a remarkable job of adapting to the changing landscape and I’m looking forward to driving more growth as we expand our service offerings next year.

’When it comes to community social responsibility, it’s rare to find a company that walks the walk. ManSat has done a great deal with community and educational programmes both in the Isle of Man and abroad.

’I’m glad to be part of an organisation that’s so invested in the future of space and education.

’To that end, I look forward to continuing my own education at the International Space University next year.’

Minister for Enterprise Laurence Skelly MHK said: ’It is great to see a Manx company expanding internationally while building upon its base here in the Isle of Man.

’The island has a positive ecosystem of funding and support to help growing businesses and we look forward to more international growth from ManSat in the future.’

Business News in our sister paper the Examiner, reported also this week that sixth form students in the island have the chance to win scholarships from the ManSat Group to attend next summer’s Nasa United Space School.

The Manx satellite company has been offering scholarships to the Houston, Texas, school since 2000.