EchoStar Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

EchoStar has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, operations, information systems, finance, legal, and human resources.

Driven by a commitment to global connectivity, EchoStar delivers advanced communications technology and satellite services to empower consumers, enterprises, and government organizations across diverse environments.

Leadership Roles at EchoStar

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

    Charlie Ergen, the Co-founder, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at EchoStar, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Ergen architects the long-term growth trajectory by identifying emerging opportunities within the global communications and satellite services sectors. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market shifts to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge in wireless and broadband delivery. By aligning corporate resources with evolving consumer and enterprise demands, the Chief Executive Officer fosters innovation across all business units. Ergen maintains rigorous oversight of the board and executive team to guarantee operational excellence. Through decisive management of complex infrastructure projects, Charlie Ergen secures the company's position as a leader in digital communication capabilities. This executive focus drives the expansion of network solutions while maintaining the financial health necessary for sustained industry impact.
    Charlie Ergen

    Paul Orban - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Paul Orban, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at EchoStar, directs the financial strategy and fiscal health of the organization. Orban architects the capital allocation plans that support the company's investments in wireless communications and satellite infrastructure. This role involves managing financial reporting, budgeting, and investor relations to ensure transparency and long-term stability. By overseeing the finance department, the Chief Financial Officer drives the analysis of market trends to inform strategic decision-making across the enterprise. Orban collaborates with the board to maintain a strong balance sheet while funding growth initiatives in the telecommunications sector. Through rigorous financial oversight, Paul Orban ensures that the company possesses the resources required to deliver high-quality connectivity solutions. This leadership role is essential for maintaining the financial discipline necessary to support the company's broad range of products and services for diverse customers.
    Paul Orban

    Paul Gaske - Chief Operating Officer

    Paul Gaske, the Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, directs the daily execution of business operations and service delivery models. Gaske architects efficient workflows that support the company's extensive range of television entertainment and managed network solutions. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to enhance service reliability for residential and commercial customers. By managing the operational scale of the business, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that resources align with the strategic goals set by the executive team. Gaske drives performance improvements across all service delivery channels, focusing on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Through meticulous oversight of supply chain and service deployment, Paul Gaske maintains the high standards required for global communications technology. This operational focus supports the company's ability to provide consistent connectivity and digital communication capabilities to a diverse and growing client base.

    John Swieringa - President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer

    John Swieringa, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, directs the convergence of technical innovation and operational execution. Swieringa architects the integration of new technology platforms into the company's existing service delivery framework. This role involves managing the intersection of engineering and operations to ensure that advanced communications technologies reach the market efficiently. By overseeing the deployment of wireless and broadband solutions, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer drives the company's ability to scale its services for enterprise and government clients. Swieringa collaborates with other leaders to streamline processes and enhance the overall customer experience. Through the strategic management of technology-driven operations, John Swieringa ensures that the company maintains its competitive advantage. This leadership role focuses on transforming complex technical capabilities into reliable, high-performance services that support the company's mission of global connectivity.
    John Swieringa

    Derek de Bastos - Chief Technology Officer

    Derek de Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer at EchoStar, directs the development of advanced communications technologies and networking services. De Bastos architects the technical roadmap to ensure seamless integration of satellite services and wireless connectivity solutions. This role involves managing research and development initiatives that support the company's broad portfolio of digital communication products. By overseeing the engineering teams, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all technical infrastructure meets the rigorous demands of government and enterprise clients. De Bastos drives innovation in broadband internet delivery, focusing on scalability and reliability across diverse geographic markets. Through constant collaboration with other C-suite leaders, Derek de Bastos aligns technical capabilities with the broader corporate mission. This leadership ensures that the company remains at the forefront of the telecommunications industry by deploying cutting-edge solutions that enable connectivity for users worldwide.
    Derek de Bastos

    Germar Schaefer - Chief Information Officer

    Germar Schaefer, the Chief Information Officer at EchoStar, directs the digital infrastructure and information systems that support the company's global operations. Schaefer architects secure and scalable data environments to facilitate the delivery of satellite services and broadband internet. This role involves managing the enterprise-wide technology stack to ensure data integrity and operational continuity. By overseeing the information technology department, the Chief Information Officer drives the implementation of advanced tools that enhance internal productivity and customer-facing digital platforms. Schaefer collaborates with other executives to integrate new technologies into the existing service portfolio, ensuring that the company remains agile in a rapidly evolving market. Through the strategic management of information assets, Germar Schaefer supports the company's mission to provide reliable connectivity. This leadership role ensures that all digital systems remain robust, secure, and capable of meeting the complex needs of modern telecommunications operators.

    Zach Sechler - Chief of Staff To the CTIO

    Zach Sechler, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO at EchoStar, directs the administrative and strategic coordination of the technology and information offices. Sechler architects communication flows between the Chief Technology and Information Officer and the broader executive team. This role involves managing high-priority projects that require cross-departmental collaboration to ensure alignment with the company's technical goals. By overseeing the daily operations of the CTIO office, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO drives efficiency in decision-making and project execution. Sechler facilitates the implementation of strategic initiatives related to satellite services and networking solutions. Through the coordination of complex technical agendas, Zach Sechler supports the leadership team in achieving operational objectives. This role ensures that the technology and information departments remain focused on the company's core mission of providing reliable digital communication capabilities to a wide range of global customers.

    Derek de Bastos - Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services

    Derek de Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services at EchoStar, directs the technical strategy specifically for the satellite division. De Bastos architects the satellite communication systems that enable global connectivity for government and enterprise customers. This role involves managing the lifecycle of satellite assets and the ground infrastructure required for reliable service delivery. By overseeing the technical development of the satellite portfolio, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services drives innovation in signal processing and network capacity. De Bastos collaborates with the broader technology team to ensure that satellite services integrate seamlessly with other wireless and broadband offerings. Through the management of specialized engineering teams, Derek de Bastos ensures that the company maintains its leadership in satellite-based communications. This role focuses on delivering high-performance connectivity solutions that meet the unique requirements of the company's diverse and demanding client base.
    Jeff Blum, the Executive VP, Government Affairs & Acting Chief Legal Officer at EchoStar, directs the company's interactions with regulatory bodies and legal frameworks. Blum architects the advocacy strategies that support the company's interests in the telecommunications and satellite sectors. This role involves managing legal compliance and risk mitigation across all business units. By overseeing government relations, the Executive VP, Government Affairs & Acting Chief Legal Officer drives the company's engagement with public sector organizations to secure favorable policy environments. Blum collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all business activities adhere to international and domestic regulations. Through the management of legal and regulatory challenges, Jeff Blum protects the company's ability to innovate and expand its service offerings. This leadership role is critical for navigating the complex legal landscape of the global communications industry and ensuring the company's long-term operational success.

    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. Flynn architects the talent acquisition, retention, and training programs that support the company's workforce. This role involves managing the corporate culture to ensure alignment with the company's mission of providing global connectivity. By overseeing the human resources department, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer drives initiatives that foster innovation and professional growth among employees. Flynn collaborates with other executives to build high-performing teams capable of delivering advanced communications technology. Through the strategic management of the company's human assets, Katherine Flynn ensures that the organization attracts and retains the talent necessary to maintain its competitive edge. This leadership role focuses on creating an environment where employees can contribute effectively to the company's goal of enabling people and organizations to stay connected.

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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 Paul Gaske (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), Paul Gaske (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EchoStar have?
    EchoStar has 10 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, Chief Operating Officer, President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Technology Officer.