Industry veteran Mariam Sorond has taken over as the CEO of NextNav.
NextNav Co-Founder Ganesh Pattabiraman has decided to step away from his role as CEO and Board of Directors member to spend more time with his family. Sorond joins NextNav with more than 28 years of technical and strategy experience in the telecommunications industry.
“Mariam’s extensive spectrum expertise and proven track record of evolving telecommunication technology and strategy align perfectly with the ongoing development of NextNav’s broad spectrum portfolio and industry-leading 3D geolocation and GPS resiliency capabilities,” said Gary Parsons, NextNav’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, according to a news release. “In recent years, Mariam led technology efforts at both VMware and CableLabs and was instrumental in architecting DISH’s wireless spectrum and network. Her deep skill set, and vast technical acumen will be invaluable to the team as it drives toward the next phase of its growth.”
Sorond most recently served as chief technology officer, SEBU for VMWare, where she helped to “define and evangelize its technical strategy as well as lead its digital transformation.” As the chief research and development officer at CableLabs, she focused on the future of converged connectivity of broadband cable and mobile networks.
Before joining the cable industry, Sorond served in several senior positions, including chief wireless architect of DISH, where she led the company’s entry into the wireless market. She also was responsible for spectrum technology and strategy, end-to-end technology development, and creating the next generation of network architecture and standards development. She currently serves as a member of the NTIA Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee and the FCC Technological Advisory Council.
“Having devoted my career to advancing and commercializing innovation in technology, I am thrilled to continue this journey at the helm of NextNav,” Sorond said, according to the release. “I am deeply committed to realizing the full value of NextNav’s spectrum asset and next-generation 3D PNT technology to drive growth and deliver long-term shareholder value.”
Pattabiraman “was instrumental” in Sorond’s recruitment, Parsons said, according to the release. He will continue to support the company as a senior advisor.
“Sixteen years ago, we had a vision for the next generation of GPS,” Pattabiraman said, according to the release. “With the roll out and adoption of the Pinnacle service nationwide for E911 and Public Safety, and recent steps by the Federal Government toward enabling resilient PNT in national critical infrastructure, I believe we are not only realizing that vision, but positioning NextNav as a global leader in next generation resilient PNT. With the company on strong foundational footing and a clear growth strategy in place, I feel confident this is the right time to hand over leadership to such an impressive and experienced executive as Mariam, while continuing to support the company’s key strategic initiatives.”
