Bright Ascension has appointed Dr Kathryn O’Donnell as a non-executive board director, adding board-level experience in business scaling, programme delivery and mergers and acquisitions within the technology and space sectors.
The company said O’Donnell has worked on complex multi-million-pound programmes and has experience building and scaling a UK space company that was later acquired by BAE Systems.
Bright Ascension said O’Donnell brings governance and risk management experience, and has been involved in mentoring and inclusive leadership initiatives, including supporting women returning to work.
John Baughn, CEO at Bright Ascension, said:
“Kathryn’s experience in scaling innovative technology businesses, combined with her strategic leadership and governance expertise, makes her an incredibly valuable addition to the Bright Ascension Board. As we continue our growth journey and expand our presence across the global space sector, her insight and experience will play an important role in supporting the company’s long-term ambitions.”
O’Donnell said:
“I’m excited to be joining the Bright Ascension Board at such an important stage in the company’s growth. Bright Ascension has established a strong reputation within the space industry for delivering advanced software capabilities that support increasingly ambitious missions, and I look forward to supporting the team as they continue to scale and innovate.”
Bright Ascension said the appointment reflects its longer-term strategy as it expands support for spacecraft operators, mission teams and space organisations worldwide.
