Global satellite operator Eutelsat Communications has appointed former Canal+ executive Jean-Claude Tshipama as CEO of broadband in Africa.

The Paris-based firm has confirmed it has finalised its team in charge of broadband activities by employing Tshipama to oversee satellite broadband connectivity in Africa.

Tshipama previously worked at companies including Celtel in DR Congo, Bermuda-based Digicel Group and Microsoft. More recently, he was CEO of Canal+ in DR Congo and CEO of fashion brand Zympala in Canada.

In his new role, Tshipama’s responsibility is to ensure that Eutelsat’s broadband business is successfully deployed across Africa, drawing on the in-orbit resources of the Al Yah 3 satellite, expected to enter service next summer.

The operation of the Al Yah 3 satellite will be followed next year by the launch of the Konnect satellite, formerly called the African Broadband Satellite. According to the company, the broadband business will be one of the main focuses of Eutelsat’s growth strategy in the coming years.

“We are delighted to welcome Jean-Claude Tshipama to Eutelsat. His expert knowledge of the African market serving various industries, particularly telecommunications, will be a valuable asset to us in achieving our strong ambitions on this continent,” said Michel Azibert, Eutelsat’s chief commercial and development officer.

“We are now in perfect shape and looking forward to expanding our business in the fast-growing fixed broadband sector.”

Eutelsat is the third largest satellite operator worldwide, after SES and Intelsat. Launched in 1977, the company provides coverage in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the US. Eutelsat’s satellites broadcast to over 274 million cable and satellite homes.

tagged in: Al Yah 3, Canada, Canal+, Celtel, Digicel Group, DR Congo, Eutelsat Communications, France, Jean-Claude Tshipama, Microsoft, Zympala