SES Shakes Up Leadership: Satellite Giant Recruits Aerojet Rocketdyne’s CFO for Finance Overhaul

Veteran Aerospace CFO Elisabeth Pataki to Lead SES Finance — What This Bold Move Means for the Satellite Industry in 2025

SES makes waves by appointing Elisabeth Pataki, a seasoned aerospace CFO, poised to drive innovation and growth as finance chief in 2025.

Quick Facts

  • Elisabeth Pataki appointed as SES CFO, starting June 16, 2025
  • Pataki previously led finances at L3Harris unit Aerojet Rocketdyne
  • SES operates one of the world’s largest satellite fleets

SES has set the space sector abuzz by announcing Elisabeth Pataki as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective June 16, 2025. Pataki brings decades of experience steering financial success in the aerospace and defense industry, most recently as the CFO for Aerojet Rocketdyne, the powerhouse propulsion division of defense juggernaut L3Harris.

The European satellite giant’s strategic move signals an ambitious play for financial transformation and expansion, just as the satellite industry faces unprecedented disruption. The appointment underscores SES’s drive to stay ahead in digital connectivity and next-gen satellite deployment.

  • For more on the satellite industry, visit the SES website.
  • Learn about aerospace developments at L3Harris.
  • See what’s driving innovation in space at the NASA homepage.

Who Is Elisabeth Pataki — And Why Does This Appointment Matter?

Elisabeth Pataki isn’t a newcomer to high-stakes finance. With a career built on navigating the fiscal complexities of global aerospace companies, she’s renowned for her strategic vision and results-driven leadership. At L3Harris’s Aerojet Rocketdyne, she helped shape critical financial initiatives and steered the company through transformational industry shifts.

Her transition to SES is perfectly timed. Satellite communications are evolving rapidly, with new competition from players like SpaceX and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. SES’s decision to recruit Pataki signals an intent to not just survive, but thrive in this fiercely competitive landscape.

How Will Pataki Shape SES’s Future?

As SES transitions Pataki into her new role, the focus will be on digital transformation and unlocking fresh opportunities in the booming data and connectivity markets. Expect innovative funding strategies, intensified investment in next-gen satellite technologies, and a sharper focus on delivering value to customers worldwide.

Pataki’s proven playbook includes streamlining costs while ramping up R&D investments and exploring strategic collaborations—a combination that could supercharge SES’s expansion from global TV broadcasts to empowering connected cars, IoT, and the next wave of smart cities.

Q: What Does This Mean for SES Customers and Investors?

A stronger financial steer means SES can nimbly adapt to fast-changing technologies and customer needs. Investors may see increased confidence in SES’s ability to fund ambitious satellite launches and pursue lucrative partnerships in the growing space economy.

For customers, this could translate to even more reliable satellite coverage, enhanced broadband speeds, and pioneering new services—on land, at sea, and in the air.

How to Watch SES’s Strategy Unfold in 2025

Stay tuned as SES gears up for major announcements, innovative satellite launches, and new global deals. Pataki’s financial expertise is expected to accelerate SES’s digital transformation and push the boundaries of what satellite technology can achieve.

Don’t miss a beat as SES writes the next chapter in satellite communications. Here’s how to stay in the loop and take action:

  • Bookmark SES’s homepage for the latest company updates
  • Follow aerospace industry news at Reuters and Bloomberg
  • Track cutting-edge trends from global leaders like NASA

Checklist:

  • Watch for SES’s next investor reports and Q2 financials after Pataki steps in
  • Monitor satellite launches and new service announcements in 2025
  • Explore industry insights on satellite innovation and space economy growth
  • Set news alerts for major space-industry executive appointments

The space race is heating up. SES is making power moves — and the world is watching.

References

L3Harris CFO Talks Aerojet Growth, Solid Rocket Motors & Golden Dome Defense Opportunity | Wolfe 25

ByEmma Curley

Emma Curley is a distinguished author and expert in the realms of new technologies and fintech. Holding a degree in Computer Science from Georgetown University, she combines her strong academic foundation with practical experience to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of digital finance. Emma has held key positions at Graystone Advisory Group, where she played a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technology and financial services. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of emerging trends, and she is dedicated to educating readers about the transformative power of technology in reshaping the financial industry. Emma’s insightful articles and thought leadership have made her a trusted voice among professionals and enthusiasts alike.