SWISSto12, one of Europe’s aerospace companies and a manufacturer of advanced satellite systems and radio-frequency products, has appointed Fredrik Gustavsson as its new Chief Financial and Strategy Officer (CFSO). This role will focus on driving the company’s strategic growth, financial excellence, and corporate development initiatives as SWISSto12 continues to strengthen its position within the satellite industry. This news follows the announcement of Steve Collar joining SWISSto12’s Board of Directors as Chairman.
Fredrik brings a wealth of experience as an accomplished strategy and corporate development executive. With a proven track record of delivering substantial shareholder value and driving sustainable growth, he has successfully led corporate strategies across multiple industries, with a particular focus on satellite communications and transport sectors. His extensive expertise spans corporate finance, M&A, and performance improvement, making him an ideal addition to SWISSto12’s leadership team.
Emile de Rijk, CEO and Founder of SWISSto12 said, “I am delighted to welcome Fredrik to SWISSto12. His deep knowledge of the satellite sector, coupled with his strong financial leadership, strategic vision and ability to drive transformative growth initiatives will be instrumental as we continue to scale our business and expand our global footprint.”
Fredrik’s career includes significant leadership roles in some of the world’s leading companies. Most recently, he served as Chief Strategy Officer at Inmarsat, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s corporate strategy, driving M&A opportunities, and leading strategic growth initiatives. He was also part of the core team that negotiated the $7.3 billion sale of Inmarsat to Viasat. Previously, Fredrik held senior roles at easyJet, Credit Suisse, Teneo, and McKinsey & Company, where he advised C-suite management teams and boards on strategic and financial matters across a variety of sectors.
Key achievements in Fredrik’s career include:
- Leading Inmarsat’s strategic development and M&A activities, delivering sector-leading growth and value creation for shareholders
- Driving easyJet’s European expansion strategy and fleet investment decisions, which significantly increased profitability and shareholder returns
- Managing and executing M&A transactions valued at over $25 billion across various industries, including transport and satellite communications
- Spearheading performance improvement initiatives resulting in over $500 million in cumulative annual profit improvement and enhanced return on capital
“Frederik Gustvasson, CFO-CSO of SWISSto12 added, I’m thrilled to join SWISSto12 at such an exciting moment in its journey. The company’s stellar growth trajectory, with over $350 million in customer orders across the HummingSat and Radio Frequency product lines, and its continued international expansion, are a testament to the quality of the team and the strength of its uniquely enabling core technologies. I look forward to contributing to this next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Fredrik’s experience in strategic planning, M&A, and corporate development will be pivotal in SWISSto12’s next phase of growth, as the company continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions to satellite operators and telecom providers around the world.
SWISSto12 is a manufacturer of advanced satellite RF products, payloads and systems, including the HummingSat: a small yet powerful geostationary telecommunications satellite developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) through its public-private-partnership program. The company’s RF products benefit from unique and patented 3D-printing technologies and associated Radio Frequency (RF) product designs that deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF functionality.
Besides its space portfolio, the company is also active in telecommunications and aeronautic industry. SWISSto12 has developed commercially with success in Europe and in the USA, and is amongst the fastest growing aerospace companies in Europe. SWISSto12 spun off in 2011 from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors.
