EchoStar Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a legacy of innovation, EchoStar is dedicated to expanding connectivity solutions across satellite communications, pay television, wireless services, and broadband, impacting consumers, enterprises, and government agencies globally.

Leadership Roles at EchoStar

  • Chief Operating Officer - Paul Gaske
  • President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer - John Swieringa
  • Chief Information Officer - Germar Schaefer
  • Chief Technology Officer - Derek de Bastos
  • 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, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the company's diverse business segments. Gaske oversees the integration and optimization of services across satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless offerings, ensuring seamless delivery to consumers, enterprises, and government clients. This role is critical in driving operational efficiency and scaling business processes to meet market demands across the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Paul Gaske's responsibilities include enhancing service reliability and customer satisfaction through effective resource allocation and process improvement. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational strategies directly support EchoStar's mission of providing comprehensive connectivity solutions. Gaske's leadership focuses on maintaining high standards of performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement throughout the global operations.

    John Swieringa - President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer

    John Swieringa, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, holds a dual mandate overseeing both the technological direction and the operational execution of the company. Swieringa drives the integration of advanced technologies across EchoStar's satellite, pay-TV, and wireless services, ensuring seamless service delivery and operational efficiency. This leadership position is critical in aligning technology strategy with business objectives, managing complex projects, and optimizing global operations. John Swieringa's focus includes enhancing customer experiences and expanding market reach through innovative solutions and robust operational frameworks. The President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer ensures that EchoStar's technological capabilities and operational performance consistently meet and exceed industry standards. Swieringa's leadership guides the company's evolution as a connectivity powerhouse.

    Germar Schaefer - Chief Information Officer

    Germar Schaefer, the Chief Information Officer at EchoStar, directs the company's comprehensive information technology strategy and infrastructure. Schaefer oversees the development and implementation of all IT systems, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and efficient data management across the organization. This leadership role involves aligning technology initiatives with EchoStar's broader business objectives, particularly in supporting its diverse operations in satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless services. Schaefer's focus includes enhancing digital transformation efforts and optimizing internal processes to support growth and operational excellence. The Chief Information Officer ensures that technology investments directly contribute to the company's market position and service delivery capabilities. Germar Schaefer drives innovation in IT to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.

    Derek de Bastos - Chief Technology Officer

    Derek de Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer at EchoStar, architects the company's technological vision and innovation roadmap. De Bastos leads the research and development efforts, focusing on advancing satellite technology, broadband solutions, and wireless network capabilities. This position is pivotal in driving the evolution of EchoStar's infrastructure, including its geostationary high-throughput satellites and nationwide 5G network development. Derek de Bastos ensures that technological advancements align with market needs and support the company's expansion into new service areas and geographies. The Chief Technology Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of technical excellence and exploring emerging technologies to maintain EchoStar's leadership in the telecommunications sector. De Bastos guides the strategic deployment of cutting-edge solutions across global operations.
    Derek de Bastos

    Derek Bastos - Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services

    Derek Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services at EchoStar, spearheads the technological strategy specifically for the satellite services division. Bastos directs the innovation and operational integrity of EchoStar's satellite infrastructure, including its fleet of geostationary high-throughput satellites. This role is crucial for ensuring the reliability and performance of satellite-based broadband and connectivity solutions offered to consumers, enterprises, and government agencies worldwide. Derek Bastos focuses on enhancing the capabilities of satellite networks to deliver superior service across the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. The Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services drives the technological roadmap for satellite operations, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of the global telecommunications market. Bastos's leadership ensures the continued advancement of EchoStar's core satellite capabilities.

    Zach Sechler - Chief of Staff To the CTIO

    Zach Sechler, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO at EchoStar, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Technology and Information Officer's initiatives. Sechler facilitates the execution of key technology projects and ensures alignment across various departments involved in product development and service delivery. This role is essential in translating the CTIO's vision into actionable plans, optimizing workflows, and managing cross-functional communication. Zach Sechler's responsibilities include driving strategic priorities, enhancing operational efficiency, and supporting the integration of new technologies within EchoStar's diverse business segments. The Chief of Staff To the CTIO plays a vital part in streamlining operations and ensuring the effective implementation of technological advancements across the company's global footprint.
    Dean Manson, the Chief Legal Officer at EchoStar, directs all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance across the company's global operations. Manson oversees the legal framework supporting EchoStar's diverse business segments, including satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless services. This critical role involves managing corporate governance, intellectual property, litigation, and transactional matters, safeguarding the company's interests. Dean Manson provides strategic legal counsel to the executive team and the Board of Directors, navigating complex legal landscapes in the telecommunications and technology sectors. The Chief Legal Officer ensures that all business activities adhere to applicable laws and regulations across the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Manson's expertise is vital for EchoStar's sustained growth and market integrity.
    Dean Manson

    Katherine Flynn - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Katherine Flynn, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at EchoStar, leads the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives across the organization. Flynn oversees all aspects of employee relations, organizational development, and workforce planning, ensuring EchoStar attracts, develops, and retains top talent. This role is fundamental in fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports the company's mission and values. Katherine Flynn's responsibilities include shaping the company culture, implementing effective HR policies, and driving initiatives that enhance employee engagement and well-being. The Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer plays a key part in aligning human capital strategies with EchoStar's business objectives, supporting its global operations and growth ambitions. Flynn's leadership ensures a strong foundation of talent for EchoStar's future.

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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 Germar Schaefer (Chief Information Officer).
    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), Germar Schaefer (Chief Information Officer) 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 Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services.