Howell Estes, a board member at Maxar Technologies (NYSE: MAXR) since October 2017, has been named chairman of the company’s board of directors in a move that will take effect Jan. 1.
He will succeed Robert Phillips, who will continue to serve on the board, the company said Thursday.
“Howell’s wealth of experience in service to the U.S. government and his previous role as chair of DigitalGlobe‘s board make him the ideal choice to provide oversight and guidance for Maxar’s next phase,” said Maxar CEO Howard Lance.
Estes joined Maxar’s board in 2017 after the space technology systems developer completed its purchase of DigitalGlobe.
He currently serves as president of consulting firm Howell Estes & Associates and sits on the board of software development firm Analytical Graphics.
He is a retired U.S. Air Force general whose 33-year military career included time as head of Air Force Space Command and commander-in-chief of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Space Command.
His appointment comes as Maxar expects to complete its U.S. domestication by Jan. 1.
