[SatNews] Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) has promoted two company executives, Thomas J. Fitpzatrick and S. Scott Smith.

Both will expand their roles to round out the company's leadership team and to support the development of Iridium NEXT, Iridium's second-generation satellite constellation.

Thomas J. Fitzpatrick expands his current role of Chief Financial Officer to include Chief Administrative Officer. His additional role now includes oversight of information technology and billing functions in addition to his previous responsibilities over corporate finance and human resources. Since joining Iridium in 2010, his tenure has been instrumental ensuring Iridium's long-term future.

S. Scott Smith has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, assuming responsibility for Company ground and satellite operations in addition to his oversight of technology development. In this new role, Smith is responsible for all ground and space technical operations, ensuring the highest quality experience for Iridium's customers, and a smooth transition to Iridium NEXT which is scheduled for launch beginning in early 2015.

Both Fitzpatrick and Smith have also been appointed to Iridium's Board of Directors which now consists of three Company management and eight independent directors.