As an editor and journalist for more than 20 years, I have interviewed hundreds, if not thousands, of C-Suite executives from a variety of sectors spanning all industry verticals from telecommunications, to manufacturing, broadcast and launch. It is, I believe, my job to bring the biggest stories from the biggest names driving our industry — that is my mantra.

In this ed note, I would like to talk about two of the most enigmatic executives in our industry, Tom Choi, CEO, ABS and Gwynne Shotwell, president and COO, SpaceX. Choi who is a member of our Via Satellite Advisory Board, is frequently one of the most outspoken and controversial CEOs in our industry. A former Satellite Executive of the Year winner, there is no denying that Choi has done an outstanding job building ABS. He also created quite a stir seemingly swimming against the positive industry tides by questioning the future of some of the major new LEO constellations. His clashes with Eric Beranger, the CEO of OneWeb provided one of the highlights of SATELLITE 2017. While many were optimistic about the future of LEOs, Choi was a loud, dissenting voice. It will be interesting when we look back at five years time and see whether LEO operators and systems make the impact that many in the industry expect them to. I admire the fact that Choi gave such a strong opinion, which really polarized the debate at SATELLITE.

This month, I am delighted to do another interview with Gwynne Shotwell, always one of my favorite interviewees. The interview we did with her three years ago was one of the most popular features we ever did for Via, and it is always great to talk to a C-Suite executive who doesn’t hide behind a corporate script and talks honestly and openly about a variety of events. It is always an honor and pleasure to talk to Shotwell, and we hope you enjoy this new interview which discusses all things SpaceX. It is great reading.

That is what Via Satellite about. We are about top quality journalism, talking to the executives and influencers who drive the industry. We write the stories that matter, rather than ones we think will generate more “clicks.” That is not what I am about. As long as I am editor of this publication, I will subscribe to the highest standards, which I believe more than ever, sets us apart from the competition. We hope you enjoy the issue. VS