Inmarsat named Philippe Carette to head up its aviation business unit as president. Carette, who steps into his new role on November 22, joins Inmarsat after spending the past eight years with Thales, including as CEO of the electronics specialist’s InFlyt Experience business.

He has more than 30 years of experience in the technology and aerospace industries, also including with Safran Group. At Inmarsat, Carette succeeds Philip Balaam, who has taken on a strategy position for the global satellite services provider to reinforce its commercial businesses.

“I am pleased to welcome Philippe Carette as president of our aviation business at the start of a new era of growth across our aviation business lines, and throughout the company as a whole,” said Inmarsat CEO Rajeev Suri. “He brings a wealth of experience and I look forward to working with him as a member of Inmarsat’s executive team as we extend our technology leadership and significantly enhance the services.”

Suri credited Balaam for playing a pivotal role in establishing Inmarsat’s leadership in the global in-flight connectivity sector. He comes on board as Inmarsat recently announced its 1,000th installation and activation of its Jet ConneX high-speed inflight connectivity system, providing it a major presence in business aviation.