AST OPTIMA package
The all-inclusive 12 or 36-month fixed fee Iridium Certus® package for maritime
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Global Satellite Communications Provider
Who we are
With over 25 years of experience in delivering satellite communications services, AST is a trusted global satellite communications equipment supplier of end-to-end remote communication solutions. Our company provides a comprehensive range of terminals and devices, high quality voice and data connectivity. Our unique enabling services such as INTEGRA, IRIS, iRAMS and My AST Portal empower our customers to optimise their operations, make informed decisions quicker and reduce their costs.
Why choose AST?
Meet The AST Group Leadership Team
Our Board of Directors, led by Group Managing Director Gregory Darling, is responsible for setting the strategic, operational and environmental direction of the company.
Gregory Darling
Group Managing Director
With a Business degree from Sheffield Polytechnic, 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 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 AST's global operations. He is married to Sue with three adult children.
Mark Sykes
General Manager, AST Distribution EMEA
With over 25 years’ experience in the satellite industry in leadership roles with organisations such as Inmarsat, SES and AST Mark has been involved in almost all aspects of MSS and FSS service delivery to a diverse range of market sectors and geographies.
Specialising in the commercial aspects of satellite communications, Mark’s responsibilities include strategic alliances and new services introduction.
As Group Sales Director, he is responsible for revenue generation and growth across AST’s global channels.
Frederique Gerard
Corporate Communications Director
Frederique joined AST’s leadership team in 2018, bringing extensive experience in global marketing and communication strategy, product management and brand development.
She has previously held marketing and business development senior positions for companies in diverse sectors including in the technology and maritime markets. She is responsible for leading the Group and its business units’ marketing and communication strategies.
Andy Smith
Group Technical Director
With over 20 years working in technology, Andy has had various roles in engineering, consultancy and management, working in SME’s, large enterprises and telco covering many aspects of technology delivery including the last 10 dedicated in the satellite industry.
Andy has responsibility for the AST Group technology, application and solution strategy and delivery. He leads the development of the Group’s flagship products and services such as INTEGRA, IRIS, and My ASTPortal, as well as drives the company’s 24/7 Global Customer Support Services.
Stuart Castell
Sales & Operations Director
Stuart is responsible for the AST Marine Networks division (UK and Netherlands) leading maritime VSAT, L band and valued added services sales to AST’s core sector. He also leads the overall marine sector strategic direction as Group Marine Director.
He has over 37 years’ experience in the remote telecoms and satellite industry starting as a Junior Radio Operator in the British Royal Navy and then creating and running his own business providing satellite and radio solutions for 15 years prior to joining the AST board in 2016.
