MUMBAI: Inmarsat, which provides 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 BBC head of newsgathering operations, 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.

Inmarsat VP of the industry business unit Drew Brandy 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 said, "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."