Tom Koster

Business execution and strategy across key emerging markets (Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia). MNOs, Subsea carriers, Data Center Operators, Hyperscalers

Executive leadership team: business development and sales operations; revenue-to-scale; partnerships and global channels. Government programs

Executed multi-year teaming agreements with regional telco operator and terrestrial fiber operator

Areas include global carrier connectivity, enterprise autonomy, systems automation; edge computing; AI; NFV; SD-WAN, virtualized security.

• Systems Integration deploying secure BLOS tactical network built on Spectra Slingshot RF-to-L-band and Inmarsat L-TAC. Air/ground data network for situational awareness and data connectivity at the battlefield edge, enabling low-signature data communications to increase lethality of warfighter.

• Jordan MoI, KSA SANG, Kuwait Air Force

• Monitored customer buying trends, market conditions and competitor actions to adjust strategies and achieve sales goals.

• Responsible for customer capture across MEA territories. Focused on network service delivery for DACH enterprises on the continent. Focus on: Oil & Gas, Mining, Energy & Construction. Supported NATO deployments in Afghanistan.
• Led development of business operation processes and policies following local acquisition.
• Evaluated service contracts and collaborated with legal counsel on negotiated improvements.

• Manned and unmanned COTM programs (fixed & rotary platforms). UAE-SOC, Qatar Navy, Oman Royal Guard.
• USMC satcom MWR support Afghanistan

• Led MEA commercial, operational & financial functions including maritime, oil & gas & government services
• Defined roadmaps/go-to-market strategy and established national headquarters and recruited first-class teams
• Initiated productization of applications and hardware based on market feedback leading to full commercial rollout
• Gained a reputation as an incisive leader with genuine business acumen and an eye for post-conflict opportunities
• Presented at key industry events internationally as an expert in post-conflict/greenfield market commercialization
• Spearheaded business development & trained, managed & successfully motivated teams to exceed all Y1targets

• Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
• Acquired competitive operator in Afghanistan enabling direct sales as a fully licensed entity.
• Expanded geographical operations across Horn of Africa
• Supported PAE with all satcom services during BOS program at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti
• Built maritime center of excellence enabling connectivity services onboard yachting segment

VC-backed mobile middleware startup (Symbian spin-off)

• Managed partner relationships
• Defined channel strategies, business plan drafting, technical & financial due diligence, conducted potential client instigation
• Represented company and promoted products at conferences and trade association meetings.
• Participated in the negotiations resulting in licensing of connectivity technology to Nokia Networks

Privatization and deregulation of Central European telco monopolies

• Responsible for analyzing & forecasting wireless network operator trends covering Central & Easter Europe
• Network migration cost modelling 2G - 3G