Ken Peterman is Chairman of Comtech. He was CEO of SpyGlass Group, an innovative thought-leading organization that has helped shape aerospace and defense strategic trajectories in the tactical communications, mobile networking, cybersecurity, and satellite sectors since 2012. As a passionate, creative and forward leaning leader in the global aerospace and defense market, Ken serves on a variety of boards and advisory groups where he has been honored with multiple awards, including: TEN BEST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS LEADERS – BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR – GAME CHANGER AWARDEE and INDUSTRY TECH OUTLOOK, 2020 – BATTLESPACE MAGAZINE – 2018 VANGUARD MAGAZINE.
Previously, as President, Viasat Government Systems (2013-2021), Ken led a global defense business (>$1B) recognized as a market leader in assured high-capacity satellite communications, tactical networking and Link-16 datalinks, information assurance and cybersecurity, hybrid adaptive networking and blended air/ground situational awareness. Under Ken’s leadership, Viasat built a culture of passionately focusing on the warfighter’s mission and applying technical innovation to empower the warfighter in new and different ways, proactively creating technology-enabled operational capabilities in unprecedented ways some never thought possible. Ken led Viasat’s transformation to become the fastest organically growing US defense company for six consecutive years. Viasat grew to become a prime capabilities provider to the US DoD and allied forces, with a commitment to connecting the world’s toughest missions and ensuring that mission operators have the trusted information they need, when and where they need it most.
Previously, as President, ITT/Exelis Communications and Electronic Warfare Systems (2007-2013), Ken led a global defense and aerospace business >$1B with over 3,000 employees in 12 states plus the United Kingdom. Portfolios included tactical and satellite communications systems, information assurance and cybersecurity solutions, global positioning systems (GPS), electronic protection and counter IED systems, and integrated command, control, communications and computer (C4) systems for U.S. and allied forces in over 35 countries. (Note that ITT/Exelis spun out of ITT in 2011 and was then acquired by L3Harris in 2015.)
A distinguished leader in aerospace and defense, Ken has enjoyed successful executive leadership tenures at Viasat, ITT/Exelis, Rockwell Collins and Raytheon. Broadly respected as a thought leader and innovator among US and international senior leaders, he currently serves on a variety of boards and advisory groups. Ken received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (high honors) from Tri-State University (now Trine) and completed executive programs at Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Pennsylvania State University.