LONDON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has appointed Martin Turner as Director of Media Business.

With many media organisations all over the world already relying on Inmarsat's market-leading mobile satellite services, Turner will spearhead further development of Inmarsat's customer-driven solutions and strengthen the company's relationship with broadcasters.  A long perspective of the television industry means Turner will bring strong customer insight into the heart of Inmarsat's approach to this fast-growing sector, helping to ensure that both new and existing solutions continue to deliver real value and the highest possible performance to media customers.

Previously Head of Newsgathering Operations at the BBC, Turner was responsible for crewing, bureaux, technical innovation and satellite-based activities. An award-winning journalist, Turner was previously the BBC's Bureau Chief in Johannesburg and Washington.

Drew Brandy, Vice President of the Industry business unit at Inmarsat, said: "Martin is well known throughout the broadcasting industry and we're delighted to welcome him to Inmarsat.  Broadcasters are highly innovative by nature, and are always looking to push our technology to its limits, often in some of the most extreme environments. Martin's wide media experience will be a key part of ensuring that our solutions, such as BGAN™, and our forthcoming Global Xpress™ offering will continue to keep pace with and anticipate the needs of the industry."

Turner adds: "Journalists today need to do more, share more and be more connected when on location.  There is a constant drive for solutions that are lighter and easier to use, that offer more bandwidth and lower cost.  Inmarsat has an unparalleled record in supporting newsgathering in the field.  I'm looking forward to leveraging my experience to help news journalists the world over benefit even more from the services and global satellite network they trust."

Martin holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from the University of York. In 2005, Turner was awarded a Knight Fellowship at Stanford University during which he studied the impact of technology on the news industry. 

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services.  Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air.  Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2011, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,409 million and an EBITDA of US$854 million.  Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit http://www.inmarsat.com.

SOURCE Inmarsat