Michael Kostelnik, a retired U.S. Air Force major general, has been selected to succeed John Schumacher as vice president for the space business of EADS North America.
Kostelnik has also assumed the role of president of the Astrium Americas subsidiary, which provides telecommunications, space transportation and satellite services to federal clients in Canada and the U.S., EADS announced.
The appointment took effect July 1 and he now oversees development of industry products and services.
Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America CEO and board chairman, said Kostelnik brings to the company his leadership experience from the Air Force, NASA and Customs and Border Protection.
“Under this new leadership, we will work with our colleagues at Astrium Americas to further develop our space equipment and satellite services in support of our North American customers, ” said Francois Auque, Astrium CEO.
Kostelnik most recently served as assistant commissioner for the CBP’s air and marine office, a position held from 2002 to 2005 after previously serving as NASA deputy associate administrator for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.
He earned several awards during his 32-year military career, including the Defense and Air Force Distinguished Service medals and the NASA Medal for Outstanding Leadership.
