EchoStar Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

EchoStar has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, information systems, satellite operations, finance, operations, human resources, and legal affairs.

Focused on delivering global connectivity, EchoStar drives innovation in satellite services and wireless communications to ensure reliable digital access for enterprise, government, and consumer markets worldwide.

Leadership Roles at EchoStar

  • Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Charlie Ergen
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Paul Orban
  • President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer - John Swieringa
  • Chief Technology Officer - Derek de Bastos
  • Chief Information Officer - Germar Schaefer
  • Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services - Derek de Bastos
  • Chief of Staff To the CTIO - Zach Sechler
  • Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer - Katherine Flynn
  • Executive VP, Government Affairs & Acting Chief Legal Officer - Jeff Blum
  • Charlie Ergen - Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Charlie Ergen, the Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at EchoStar, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Ergen manages the expansion of wireless communications and satellite services across diverse global markets. By aligning the company's portfolio with evolving consumer and enterprise demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures sustained growth and market competitiveness. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of emerging technologies to maintain a robust infrastructure for television entertainment and broadband internet. Charlie Ergen maintains direct oversight of high-level partnerships and capital allocation to support the company's mission. Through rigorous assessment of industry trends, the Chairman drives the strategic direction of the entire enterprise, securing the position of the firm as a premier provider of advanced communications technology and managed network solutions for public and private sector clients.
    Charlie Ergen

    Paul Orban - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Orban, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at EchoStar, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Orban directs capital planning, financial reporting, and investment analysis to support the company's expansion into wireless and satellite markets. By overseeing the allocation of resources, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the firm maintains the liquidity necessary to fund large-scale infrastructure projects. This role involves close coordination with the Board and other C-suite leaders to align financial performance with corporate growth objectives. Paul Orban drives the implementation of cost-efficiency measures across all business units, including television entertainment and managed network solutions. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term stability of the company, enabling the continued delivery of high-quality communications technology to a diverse global customer base.
    Paul Orban

    John Swieringa - President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer

    John Swieringa, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, manages the day-to-day operational execution and the integration of technology across all business lines. Swieringa directs the delivery of wireless communications and broadband internet, ensuring that service quality meets the needs of residential and enterprise customers. By overseeing the operational performance of the company's network assets, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer drives improvements in service reliability and customer satisfaction. This role involves coordinating with technical and operational teams to scale the company's infrastructure for future growth. John Swieringa maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all divisions function in harmony to support the firm's mission. Through the management of core business processes, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer secures the company's market position as a leading provider of advanced communications and television entertainment solutions.
    John Swieringa

    Derek de Bastos - Chief Technology Officer

    Derek de Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer at EchoStar, architects the technical roadmap for the company's global communications and networking services. de Bastos oversees the development of advanced connectivity solutions, ensuring that wireless and broadband platforms meet the rigorous standards of enterprise and government customers. By integrating cutting-edge hardware and software, the Chief Technology Officer optimizes network performance across North American and international operations. This role requires constant collaboration with engineering teams to refine video distribution and digital communication capabilities. Derek de Bastos drives the implementation of scalable infrastructure that supports the diverse needs of telecommunications operators. Through technical innovation, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the reliability of the company's satellite services, ensuring that all technological assets remain at the forefront of the industry while supporting the broader mission of seamless global connectivity.
    Derek de Bastos

    Germar Schaefer - Chief Information Officer

    Germar Schaefer, the Chief Information Officer at EchoStar, manages the digital infrastructure and information systems that power the company's global operations. Schaefer directs the deployment of secure, scalable data architectures to support the delivery of satellite services and broadband internet. By optimizing internal information workflows, the Chief Information Officer ensures that business units maintain high levels of operational efficiency and data integrity. This role involves overseeing the integration of complex networking solutions to facilitate seamless communication across the enterprise. Germar Schaefer drives the adoption of advanced digital tools that enable the company to serve residential and commercial customers with precision. Through the management of information technology assets, the Chief Information Officer supports the firm's commitment to reliable connectivity, ensuring that all digital systems remain resilient and capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

    Derek de Bastos - Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services

    Derek de Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services at EchoStar, focuses exclusively on the technical advancement of the satellite division. de Bastos directs the engineering and maintenance of satellite constellations to ensure consistent signal quality for video distribution and data transmission. By refining the technical specifications of satellite hardware, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services enhances the capacity of the company to provide reliable connectivity to remote and underserved regions. This role involves coordinating with ground station operations to maintain high uptime for all satellite-based services. Derek de Bastos drives the development of next-generation satellite technologies that support the company's broader communications portfolio. Through the strategic management of satellite assets, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services ensures that the firm remains a leader in the satellite communications sector, providing essential infrastructure for government and commercial clients.

    Zach Sechler - Chief of Staff To the CTIO

    Zach Sechler, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO at EchoStar, coordinates the strategic initiatives and operational workflows within the technology and information offices. Sechler directs the alignment of cross-functional projects, ensuring that the Chief Technology and Information Officer's vision translates into actionable results across the company's networking and communications divisions. By facilitating communication between technical teams and executive leadership, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO optimizes the execution of complex infrastructure deployments. This role involves managing high-priority tasks that impact the delivery of satellite services and broadband solutions. Zach Sechler drives the efficiency of the technology organization by streamlining internal processes and resource management. Through the oversight of key operational projects, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO supports the firm's mission to provide reliable connectivity, ensuring that all technical departments remain focused on achieving the company's overarching strategic goals.

    Katherine Flynn - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Katherine Flynn, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at EchoStar, directs the human capital strategy and organizational development for the company. Flynn manages talent acquisition, employee engagement, and leadership training to ensure the workforce possesses the skills necessary to support the firm's communications and networking services. By fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer aligns the company's human resources with its broader business objectives. This role involves overseeing the development of programs that support a diverse and high-performing team across all global operations. Katherine Flynn drives the implementation of policies that enhance employee productivity and retention, which are critical for maintaining the company's competitive edge. Through the strategic management of the workforce, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer supports the firm's mission to deliver reliable connectivity and digital communication capabilities to customers worldwide.
    Jeff Blum, the Executive VP, Government Affairs & Acting Chief Legal Officer at EchoStar, manages the company's regulatory interactions and legal compliance on a global scale. Blum directs the firm's engagement with public sector organizations and policymakers to advocate for policies that support the expansion of wireless and satellite communications. By overseeing legal risk management and corporate governance, the Executive VP, Government Affairs & Acting Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities adhere to international and domestic regulations. This role involves navigating complex legal landscapes to protect the company's intellectual property and operational interests. Jeff Blum drives the development of strategies that align the firm's regulatory stance with its long-term growth objectives. Through the management of legal and government affairs, the Executive VP, Government Affairs & Acting Chief Legal Officer supports the company's mission to provide reliable connectivity and digital communication capabilities to diverse markets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EchoStar Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EchoStar?
    EchoStar is led by Charlie Ergen (Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Orban (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and John Swieringa (President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of EchoStar’s executive team?
    The executive team of EchoStar includes leaders such as Charlie Ergen (Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), Paul Orban (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), John Swieringa (President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EchoStar have?
    EchoStar has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in EchoStar’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of EchoStar includes roles such as Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer.