Mike Cook was recently appointed vice president and general manager,

Spaceway Business Group, Hughes Network Systems. In this new role, Mike is responsible for the establishment and operation of the new Hughes Spaceway Broadband Satellite System. Formerly, he held the title of Managing Director of the HOT Telecommunications Group * Europe's leading VSAT service provider * where he was responsible for all aspects of corporate strategy and operations. Mike had been in this role since 1994 and was the leading member of the team responsible for founding the business. Formerly Hughes Olivetti Telecom, HOT became a fully owned subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems in September 1998 and Mike was named vice president of HNS Europe from 1 April 1999 until his most recent appointment.

Mike has more than 20 years' experience in telecommunications, having worked previously for Cable & Wireless and Alcatel Business Systems. At Alcatel, Mike held a variety of roles including Director of Business Development, in which he was responsible for the initial introduction of Alcatel PABXs into the UK. During his last two years with Alcatel, Mike was Director of the Data Systems Division.

Mike has taken an active role in the development of the VSAT industry in Europe and is a founder member and director of the Global VSAT Forum where he is an active protagonist for the worldwide deregulation of satellite communications.

Mike holds a first-class BSc (Honours) degree in Mathematics from Exeter University.