Inmarsat, a satellite communications group, named Perry Melton as chief operating officer effective January 1, 2009. Melton has been with Inmarsat for over 16 years, with his most recent role as vice president of sales and marketing.

Melton takes over from Michael Butler, who will remain as president and an executive director of the company until April 30, 2009 when he will leave the business.

“We are delighted that Perry Melton will assume the COO responsibilities in the New Year and that Michael Butler will be key in facilitating a seamless transition of the core business activities to him during the first part of 2009,” said chairman and chief executive Andrew Sukawaty. “Perry has been playing a key operational role for many years and this move is a natural transition for the business,” he added.



pjl