EchoStar Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

EchoStar has 8 executives leading key functions including operations, technology, legal, and human resources.

Driven by innovation, EchoStar is dedicated to expanding connectivity solutions across satellite communications, pay television, and wireless services, impacting global markets through advanced technology and diverse brand offerings.

Leadership Roles at EchoStar

  • Chief Operating Officer - Paul Gaske
  • President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer - John Swieringa
  • Chief of Staff - Maddie Leonard
  • Chief Information Officer - Germar Schaefer
  • Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services - Derek Bastos
  • Chief of Staff To the CTIO - Zach Sechler
  • Chief Legal Officer - Dean Manson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer - Katherine Flynn
  • Paul Gaske - Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Gaske, the Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, directs daily operations and resource allocation across the company's diverse business segments. Overseeing the integration of acquired entities and optimizing existing workflows, Gaske ensures operational efficiency and scalability. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to execute strategic initiatives, driving performance improvements in areas such as customer service and network deployment. By focusing on streamlined processes and effective resource management, Paul Gaske supports the company's expansion into new markets and strengthens its position in the telecommunications and satellite technology sectors. Gaske's oversight extends to ensuring seamless service delivery across consumer, enterprise, and government platforms, directly contributing to EchoStar's robust market presence.

    John Swieringa - President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer

    John Swieringa, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, drives the technological vision and operational execution across the organization. Leading both technology development and day-to-day operations, Swieringa ensures seamless integration of services and efficient resource management. This dual role involves overseeing the company's extensive satellite infrastructure, broadband networks, and wireless service deployments, aligning technological innovation with operational efficiency. By championing advancements in connectivity solutions and optimizing operational workflows, John Swieringa directly supports EchoStar's expansion and market leadership. Swieringa's strategic oversight ensures that EchoStar remains at the forefront of delivering comprehensive telecommunications and satellite technology services.

    Maddie Leonard - Chief of Staff

    Maddie Leonard, the Chief of Staff at EchoStar, provides strategic support and operational coordination for executive leadership. Managing key projects and initiatives, Leonard ensures alignment across departments and facilitates effective communication between leadership and operational teams. This role involves driving special projects, analyzing business performance, and developing strategic recommendations to enhance operational effectiveness. By streamlining communication channels and prioritizing critical tasks, Maddie Leonard supports the executive team in achieving EchoStar's overarching business objectives. Leonard's focus on operational excellence and strategic execution directly contributes to the company's ability to navigate complex market dynamics and drive forward its connectivity solutions.

    Germar Schaefer - Chief Information Officer

    Germar Schaefer, the Chief Information Officer at EchoStar, architects and oversees the company's global information technology infrastructure and strategy. Directing the development and implementation of robust IT systems, Schaefer ensures data security, system reliability, and technological innovation across all business units. This critical role involves managing enterprise-wide software solutions, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity protocols to support EchoStar's diverse operations in satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless services. By driving digital transformation initiatives and optimizing IT resource utilization, Germar Schaefer enhances operational efficiency and supports the company's competitive edge. Schaefer's leadership ensures that EchoStar's technological backbone is secure, scalable, and aligned with long-term strategic goals.

    Derek Bastos - Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services

    Derek Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services at EchoStar, spearheads technological advancements and operational strategies for the satellite services division. Directing the engineering and deployment of satellite infrastructure, Bastos ensures the reliability and performance of EchoStar's geostationary high-throughput satellites. This leadership position involves overseeing the development of next-generation satellite technologies and managing the technical aspects of service delivery across consumer, enterprise, and government segments. By driving innovation in satellite communications and ensuring operational excellence, Derek Bastos supports EchoStar's mission to provide robust broadband and connectivity solutions globally. Bastos's technical vision and execution are fundamental to maintaining EchoStar's leadership in satellite technology.

    Zach Sechler - Chief of Staff To the CTIO

    Zach Sechler, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO at EchoStar, provides critical support and strategic coordination for the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer. Managing key technology initiatives and cross-functional projects, Sechler ensures alignment with the company's innovation roadmap and operational objectives. This role involves facilitating communication, driving project execution, and analyzing technological trends to inform strategic decision-making. By optimizing the flow of information and resources within the technology division, Zach Sechler enhances the CTIO's effectiveness and contributes to EchoStar's technological advancement. Sechler's focus on strategic execution and operational support is vital for driving innovation in the company's connectivity solutions.
    Dean Manson, the Chief Legal Officer at EchoStar, directs all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance across the company's global operations. Overseeing corporate governance, litigation, intellectual property, and contract negotiations, Manson safeguards EchoStar's legal interests and strategic objectives. This pivotal role involves advising executive leadership on complex legal matters related to telecommunications, satellite technology, and mergers and acquisitions. By providing expert legal counsel and managing risk, Dean Manson supports EchoStar's sustained growth and market integrity. Manson's comprehensive legal strategy is essential for navigating the intricate regulatory landscape and maintaining EchoStar's position as a trusted connectivity provider.

    Katherine Flynn - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Katherine Flynn, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at EchoStar, leads human capital strategy and organizational development. Directing all aspects of talent management, employee relations, and corporate culture, Flynn ensures EchoStar attracts, develops, and retains a high-performing workforce. This leadership position involves shaping policies and programs that foster an inclusive and productive work environment, supporting the company's diverse operations across multiple continents. By championing employee engagement and strategic workforce planning, Katherine Flynn directly contributes to EchoStar's operational success and long-term sustainability. Flynn's commitment to people development is integral to EchoStar's ability to innovate and deliver exceptional connectivity services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EchoStar Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EchoStar?
    EchoStar is led by Paul Gaske (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as John Swieringa (President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer) and Maddie Leonard (Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of EchoStar’s executive team?
    The executive team of EchoStar includes leaders such as Paul Gaske (Chief Operating Officer), John Swieringa (President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer), Maddie Leonard (Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EchoStar have?
    EchoStar has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in EchoStar’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of EchoStar includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services.