Gregory Darling

Founder and Chairman

Gregory started with Gardline Surveys in 1977, a small ship owning marine survey company in the early days of North Sea Oil and Gas development. Establishing overseas offices and playing an instrumental part in technical and commercial business development were crucial elements to growing the business and enabling operational efficiency, globally. Gregory became Sales Director early on and subsequently became Gardline Group Chairman in 2006, - the company was sold in 2017.

Founder of AST Networks in 1992 as a ‘start-up’ he developed and led the company to its current position as a leading provider of satellite communication solutions. Gregory travels extensively, playing an integral part in our global operations.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Louise Hawkins

Chief Human Resources Officer

As a strategic management lead, Louise’s primarily responsible for creating a framework for the business that ensures staff, wherever they are located, are central to achieving our business objectives. In practice that means our people are in right roles, with the right skills, at the right time, whilst as importantly given them a platform to be their best through providing appropriate leadership in people and business management. This includes the development success culture, through all aspects of recruitment, onboarding, wellbeing, and professional development for all staff globally. She is committed to making the company a global leader in its field, with a reputation for great ‘customer first’ staff.

Joining the business in January 2020, Louise brought with her over 20 years of Human Resource experience to AST Networks. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Louise has worked in building B2B organisations transitioning from SME to large global entities, she has also worked in the retail (B2C) and public sectors.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Dan Housego-Watts

Head of Commercial Governance

Dan is a seasoned commercial leader with over 20 years’ experience across a range of technically demanding industries. His career spans a variety of commercial and operational roles, from managing large business units, to overseeing sales, business development, technical support, supply chain management, and quality assurance.

Since joining AST Networks in 2016, Dan has taken on several senior leadership roles. As Head of Commercial Governance, he leads the development and implementation of risk management, compliance, and governance strategies. He collaborates closely with department leads to ensure that the company’s operations align with the latest global standards.

Dan is responsible for managing key business risks, overseeing contracts and agreements, maintaining quality management systems, and ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR, export controls, and international trade law.

Holding business degrees from universities in both the UK and Germany, Dan brings a global perspective to his role. His international experience, combined with his commitment to ethical business practices, drives continuous improvement in governance, risk management, and compliance across AST Networks.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Daniel Clark

Group Head of Software & General Manager of Applied Telematics

Daniels role is to drive the digitalisation of AST Networks through efficient and effective software platforms whilst also leading our IoT division to exploit market requirements for more data on the performance of their high value assets

Prior to joining AST Networks in 2021, Daniel spent 8 years in the technology sector leading multiple teams in the commercialisation and delivery of IT and software solutions.

Daniel is inspired by seeing individuals and organisations succeeding through utilisation of creating and innovative ideas and concepts. He has a passion for educating colleagues and customers with the latest trends and capabilities that software enhancements bring and the operational benefits his customers can receive when adopting efficient systems.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

James De Vroome

Vice President, Asia Pacific

James leads the operations in Asia Pacific,  overseeing all Enterprise/SME and Government strategic planning and ensuring our customers have access to innovative technologies, solutions and communications/software services. 

James has been with the company since 2019 and has over 25 years’ experience in the remote satellite and telecommunications industry. His previous technical and operational experience working with sectors such as emergency services, maritime, mining, defence and oil & gas enables him to better understand and address the challenges facing our customers.

James has graduated and studied at various marine/technical led Universities during his telecommunications career and previously served in the Australian Defence Force - Radio Officer Special Communications. 

The exciting and dynamic environment the technological advancements in the industry creates, drives James’ passion to fulfil his customers unique and evolving requirements.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Kevin Franciotti

Vice President, Americas

Kevin leads the operations in America overseeing all strategic partnership development and ensure our customers have access to the most appropriate solutions and services that can deliver meaningful impact to their business.

Kevin has over 29 years experience directing and guiding organizations providing remote communications.

Prior to joining AST Networks, Kevin was VP of Global Business Development for ITC Global, a division of Panasonic. Past roles include Director of Engineering and Technology at Stratos Global Corporations’ Broadband Division, CTO of NetStar Services, and Group IT Director of British-Borneo Oil and Gas. He was also a co-founder of HPCS, an IT consulting firm providing services to midstream and downstream energy companies and government.

Kevin holds a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Houston and hold various technical certifications in networking technologies and information security.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Lawson McBay

Head of Group Technical Services

Lawson McBay joined AST Networks in May 2023, I have over 25 years experience in the Satellite and ICT industry holding senior roles in both operational and product development at Rignet and OneWeb

Lawson's responsibilities is to lead the newly formed Technical Service department by ensuring service operations are developed, implemented and supported to meet business objectives in a sustainable and continuously improving way, in addition to providing strategic leadership for delivering a high performance operating model.

He started his career in Telecommunication as an apprentice at the Royal Air Force School for Radio Communications and went on to complete 9 years of military service at locations across the globe including the Falkland Islands and the Ministry of Defence in London. Following that, Lawson spent 7 years in the engineering branch of the Metropolitan Police before moving into Telecommunications within the private sector.

Lawson enjoys reading about military history as well as a keen golfer.

He is passionate about providing outstanding customer service and enjoy working with people and technology to ensure the delivery of an exceptional customer experience, always looking to improve on how and what AST does to achieve that every day.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Lukasz Latosinski

Head of Marine Networks

As Head of Marine Networks, Lukasz focuses on providing VSAT solutions and services to the maritime market.

Lukasz joined the Technical team at AST Networks in 2013. He has successfully progressed through the organisation due to his continued commitment to resolving complex customer challenges and his passion in utilising the necessary technology to provide solutions.

Connect with me on LinkedIn