Malone to chair satellite company

iiNet founder and 40under40 winner Michael Malone has been appointed chair of ASX-listed satellite company Sky and Space Global (SAS).

SAS, which is based in Perth and operates throughout Europe, successfully launched three nanosatellites into space in June 2017, and is preparing for the launch of a constellation of 200 more nanosatellites by 2020.

Mr Malone has more than 25 years’ experience across the telco and technology industries, and has held key leadership roles at Australian organisations including SpeedCast, Superloop, Diamond Cyber Security, Seven West Media and NBN Co.

He has held multiple director and chairman positions at both listed and unlisted companies.

In 1993, Mr Malone founded iiNet, Western Australia’s first internet service provider, and grew the company to service more than 1 million households and a have market capitalisation in excess of $1 billion, before it was bought by TPG in 2015 for $1.56 billion.

He also founded .auDA, the industry body for all .au domain names, not-for-profit organisation Austism West, and Diamond Cyber, a company established to provide military grade information security to the private sector.

Mr Malone has been recognised with awards including the Business News 1st Amongst Equals in the 40under40, Australian Entrepreneur of the Year, and CEO of the Year in the Australian Telecom’s Industry Awards.

Mr Malone replaces corporate lawyer Peter Wall, who will transition to the role of non-executive director.

“I am delighted to join the Sky and Space team and am excited to be playing an active role in this sector,” Mr Malone said.

“We can reach everyone, everywhere, with voice and data services.

“There is a fantastic opportunity here to become a world renowned nano-satellite service provider.”

SAS’s managing director and chief executive Meir Moalem welcomed the appointment.

“Michael Malone has a lot of experience in the Australian Telco sector,” he said.

“We think his appointment will be a big plus for Australian investors and put us on the international map as well.

Mr Malone will receive an annual fixed salary package of $72,000 per annum.