GVF names Irina Petrov as acting secretary general

Global satellite industry association GVF has named Irina Petrov, its VP for marketing and membership, as acting secretary general following the forthcoming departure of David Meltzer.

Irina Petrov

Petrov will take up the post on May 24.

Meltzer, based at GVF’s Washington, D.C. Office has served as secretary general since 2018, leading the association in promoting the satellite industry through its wide range of functions, including regulatory advocacy, technology and business training and related webinars.

Petrov has served as GVF’s VP for marketing and. membership since 2019 and has contributed to initiatives including GVF Webinar Series and expansion of training programmes. She will continue to be based at GVF’s London headquarters.

Arunas Slekys, chairman of the GVF Board of Director’s since 2008, said: “On behalf of the Board and all GVF members, numbering over 50 of the satellite world’s leaders, I’d like to thank David for his many contributions in strengthening the voice of our industry and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. The appointment of Irina Petrov as acting secretary general is worthy recognition of her leadership and numerous contributions in expanding our membership and advocacy programmes.”

Meltzer said: “I sincerely appreciate the support of GVF’s members, Board, and most importantly my colleagues at GVF these last four and a half years. I am very proud of the new member services we have provided during my tenure such as our webinar series and online training tools with much of the credit going to Irina Petrov. I leave with great confidence in Irina and GVF.”

Petrov said, “I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead GVF and to further build on its extraordinary legacy. Our focus will remain on growing the awareness of how satellite positively impacts people’s lives and supporting our members in advancing their business interests across the entire satellite industry.”