Broomfield-based Gogo Business Aviation revealed several officer appointments and resignations effective upon the closing of its acquisition of Satcom Direct.
Chris Moore has been appointed as the new CEO and a member of the board of directors post-closing. Moore joins Gogo from Satcom Direct where he has held various leadership positions since 2012, including president since 2019. Following his appointment, he will also serve as a Class II director of the board, with an initial term expiring at the 2027 annual meeting of stockholders.
Oakleigh Thorne, who has served as Gogo’s CEO since March 2018 and has been a board member since 2006, will relinquish his position post-closing and become executive chairman.
Mike Begler will take on the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer effective Jan. 1, 2025. Begler has been senior vice president of Gogo Product Operations since January 2018.
Zachary Cotner will serve as the new chief financial officer following the closing. Cotner joins Gogo from Satcom Direct where he was CFO since November 2018.
Hayden Olson is appointed as executive vice president and general manager, SD Government following the closing. Olson comes from Satcom Government, where he was senior vice president and general manager since June 2022.
Effective upon the closing, Jessica Betjemann will also resign as CFO.
On Nov. 13 and 27, Moore, Olson, and Cotner entered into employment agreements effective upon closing, with base salaries set at $850,000, $325,000, and $465,000, respectively. They are eligible for annual bonuses and will receive inducement awards consisting of restricted stock units. The agreements allow for relocation reimbursements and participation in standard company benefits.
Moore, Olson, and Cotner also executed retention bonus agreements where they will receive bonuses of $6 million; $1.5 million; and $4 million, respectively, which will vest over time contingent on their continued employment.
