EchoStar Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a legacy of innovation, EchoStar is dedicated to expanding connectivity solutions across satellite communications, pay television, and wireless services, impacting global markets through advanced technology and integrated service offerings.

Leadership Roles at EchoStar

  • President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer - John Swieringa
  • Chief of Staff - Maddie Leonard
  • 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 Bastos
  • Chief Legal Officer - Dean Manson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer - Katherine Flynn
  • John Swieringa - President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer

    John Swieringa, the President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer at EchoStar, drives the operational execution of the company's technology strategy and oversees day-to-day business functions. This executive leads critical operational units responsible for delivering EchoStar's comprehensive suite of connectivity services, including satellite broadband, pay-TV, and wireless solutions. Swieringa ensures the seamless integration and performance of the company's extensive satellite infrastructure and its developing 5G wireless network. The role involves optimizing operational efficiency, managing complex supply chains, and enhancing customer service delivery across global markets. John Swieringa's leadership is pivotal in translating technological advancements into reliable services for consumers, enterprises, and government agencies. By directing operational excellence, Swieringa reinforces EchoStar's position as a diversified connectivity powerhouse across the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

    Maddie Leonard - Chief of Staff

    Maddie Leonard, the Chief of Staff at EchoStar, supports executive leadership in driving strategic initiatives and operational efficiency. This role involves coordinating cross-functional projects and ensuring alignment with the company's overarching goals in satellite communications and broadband services. Leonard facilitates communication between departments, streamlining workflows to enhance productivity across the organization. The position requires a deep understanding of EchoStar's diverse business segments, including consumer broadband, enterprise solutions, and government connectivity. By managing key internal processes, Leonard contributes to the seamless execution of corporate strategy. This leadership function is critical for maintaining momentum in EchoStar's evolution as a connectivity powerhouse. Leonard's oversight ensures that strategic priorities translate into tangible operational outcomes, supporting the company's market presence across multiple continents.

    Derek de Bastos - Chief Technology Officer

    Derek de Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer at EchoStar, architects the company's technological vision and innovation roadmap. This executive directs the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions across satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless infrastructure. De Bastos oversees research and development efforts, ensuring EchoStar remains at the forefront of connectivity technology. The role involves guiding the integration of advanced satellite systems, including geostationary high-throughput satellites, and the expansion of the nationwide 5G wireless network. De Bastos's leadership ensures technological advancements directly support EchoStar's mission to provide robust broadband and enterprise communications. By driving technological evolution, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the company's competitive edge in global telecommunications. This strategic focus underpins EchoStar's ability to serve consumers, enterprises, and government agencies with reliable and high-performance connectivity solutions across the Americas, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
    Derek de Bastos

    Germar Schaefer - Chief Information Officer

    Germar Schaefer, the Chief Information Officer at EchoStar, directs the company's information technology strategy and infrastructure. This executive is responsible for managing all aspects of IT operations, ensuring the security, reliability, and scalability of systems that support EchoStar's diverse business units. Schaefer oversees the implementation of enterprise-wide software solutions, data management platforms, and cybersecurity protocols critical for protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational continuity. The CIO's role involves aligning IT investments with business objectives, driving digital transformation initiatives, and optimizing technology resources to enhance efficiency across the organization. Germar Schaefer's leadership ensures that EchoStar's technological backbone effectively supports its global operations in satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless services. This focus on robust IT infrastructure is essential for delivering seamless connectivity solutions to consumers, enterprises, and government clients worldwide.

    Zach Sechler - Chief of Staff To the CTIO

    Zach Sechler, the Chief of Staff To the CTIO at EchoStar, provides critical support to the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer in executing strategic technology initiatives. This role involves coordinating complex projects, managing executive communications, and ensuring the efficient operation of the technology and innovation departments. Sechler facilitates collaboration across engineering, product development, and network operations teams, driving progress on EchoStar's advanced satellite and wireless network deployments. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the company's technological landscape and its strategic objectives in expanding connectivity solutions. Zach Sechler's efforts are instrumental in translating technological vision into actionable plans, supporting the development of high-throughput satellites and the nationwide 5G network. This function is vital for maintaining EchoStar's leadership in the global telecommunications sector.

    Derek Bastos - Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services

    Derek Bastos, the Chief Technology Officer, EchoStar Satellite Services at EchoStar, spearheads the technological development and operational integrity of the company's satellite communications division. This executive directs the engineering and deployment of EchoStar's advanced satellite fleet, including geostationary high-throughput satellites, ensuring optimal performance and coverage. Bastos oversees the technical strategy for satellite network operations, maintenance, and future enhancements, critical for delivering reliable broadband and enterprise connectivity solutions. The role involves managing technological innovation to meet evolving market demands and regulatory requirements within the global telecommunications sector. Derek Bastos's expertise is fundamental to maintaining EchoStar's leadership in satellite technology, supporting services for consumers, businesses, and government entities across its extensive operational footprint. This focus ensures the continued advancement and reliability of EchoStar's core satellite infrastructure.
    Dean Manson, the Chief Legal Officer at EchoStar, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the global telecommunications company. This executive directs the company's legal department, managing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and litigation matters. Manson ensures that EchoStar's operations and business strategies adhere to all applicable laws and regulations across its diverse markets in satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless services. The role involves advising executive leadership and the board of directors on complex legal issues, mitigating risks, and safeguarding the company's interests. Dean Manson's expertise is crucial for navigating the intricate legal landscape of the telecommunications industry, supporting EchoStar's expansion and service delivery to consumers, enterprises, and government agencies worldwide. This leadership function is vital for maintaining EchoStar's integrity and compliance.

    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 operations, fostering a high-performance culture across the organization. This executive oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation and benefits, and organizational design to support EchoStar's growth in satellite communications, pay-TV, and wireless services. Flynn is responsible for cultivating an inclusive work environment that attracts and retains top talent essential for innovation and operational excellence. The role involves aligning people strategies with the company's business objectives, ensuring that EchoStar's workforce is equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Katherine Flynn's leadership is critical for building and maintaining a skilled and engaged team that drives EchoStar's mission to provide advanced connectivity solutions globally. This focus on human capital development underpins the company's success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EchoStar Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EchoStar?
    EchoStar is led by John Swieringa (President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Maddie Leonard (Chief of Staff) and Derek de Bastos (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of EchoStar’s executive team?
    The executive team of EchoStar includes leaders such as John Swieringa (President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer), Maddie Leonard (Chief of Staff), Derek de Bastos (Chief Technology 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 President, Technology & Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief of Staff To the CTIO.