Eutelsat, a leading satellite operator, has appointed Jean-François Fallacher as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective June 1, 2025. This decision was made during a board meeting on May 4, 2025, following a recommendation from the Nomination and Governance Committee. Fallacher takes over from Eva Berneke, who has led the company since January 2022 and oversaw significant milestones including the merger with OneWeb in 2023.
The appointment of Fallacher is seen as a strategic move to further integrate Eutelsat within the telecommunications ecosystem, particularly after the recent merger with OneWeb, which created the world’s first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite operator. The company is also gearing up to play a crucial role in the EU's planned IRIS2 multi-orbit constellation, which aims to enhance connectivity across Europe.
Dominique D’Hinnin, Chairman of the Board at Eutelsat, expressed gratitude towards Berneke for her leadership during a challenging period marked by increased competition and geopolitical pressures. He stated, “On behalf of myself, Vice Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, and the other board members, I want to sincerely thank Eva Berneke for her dynamic and dedicated leadership during these significant milestones in the development of Eutelsat and for realizing our telecom strategy.”
D’Hinnin continued, “I am delighted to welcome Jean-François Fallacher as he takes over from Eva. With his proven track record and rich experience, I am confident he is the right leader to advance Eutelsat and successfully navigate the opportunities and challenges that will undoubtedly arise in the coming years.”
Fallacher, who has an extensive background in the telecommunications sector, joins Eutelsat after a long career at Orange, where he recently served as Executive Vice President and CEO of Orange France. His previous roles included leadership positions in various countries, including Spain, Romania, and Poland. Fallacher also held significant roles in research and development, sales, and operations, including as CEO of Sofrecom, a consultancy specializing in the telecom sector.
As he prepares to take the helm, Fallacher expressed his enthusiasm for joining Eutelsat at such a pivotal moment in its history. He remarked, “Technology is evolving faster than ever, and in the current, increasingly complex geopolitical context, satellite networks have become a key element in the connectivity landscape. I believe Eutelsat has the foundations to be a winner in this environment, and I look forward to building on the groundwork Eva has laid and working with the talented teams to achieve our goals.”
In the financial realm, Eutelsat's shares recently crossed above their 200-day moving average, trading at $4.97 with a volume of 13,055 shares on May 6, 2025. The stock had previously reached a high of $5.20, reflecting a fluctuating market performance. The company’s 200-day moving average stands at $3.56, while its fifty-day simple moving average is $4.91.
However, not all news has been positive for Eutelsat. New Street Research downgraded the company’s shares from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research report released on April 28, 2025. This downgrade indicates a cautious outlook from analysts regarding the company's stock performance amidst evolving market conditions.
Financially, Eutelsat maintains a current ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 1.68, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, indicating a stable financial position. The company is set to publish its third-quarter sales figures for the 2024-25 financial year on May 15, 2025. Ahead of this announcement, Eutelsat has indicated that its quarterly performance is expected to align with forecasts, maintaining its revenue targets for the financial year 2024-25.
The company’s proforma revenue for the 2023-24 financial year was reported at €1.221 million, reflecting a robust operational capacity. Eutelsat's adjusted EBITDA margin is anticipated to be slightly lower than the previous year’s level, as the company adapts to the ever-changing telecommunications landscape.
As Eutelsat prepares for its next chapter under Fallacher's leadership, the focus will likely remain on enhancing connectivity and navigating the complexities of the satellite telecommunications market. With the ongoing integration of OneWeb and the upcoming IRIS2 program, Eutelsat appears poised to strengthen its position as a key player in the global telecommunications arena.
