Gogo | Satcom Direct leadership

Chris Moore joined Satcom Direct in 2012 as Vice President of Satcom Direct International, and following great success in expanding the global footprint, moved to SD World Headquarters in 2016, where he became President. He is an experienced executive and has demonstrated a history of supporting successful business growth. He has contributed to company success for renowned satellite, software, and aerospace organizations, by recognizing commercial opportunities and applying strategic knowhow to optimize positive outcomes.

Chris steers the business, identifies new commercial opportunities, and creates original business models that appeal to partners, suppliers and most importantly customers. Working closely with the executive team he develops initiatives to realize the long-term vision of Gogo and SD as it continues strengthening its position as a forward-thinking technology business.

Chris has 18 years’ experience in the global telecommunications and IT business space. He began his career in product management for Westcon before taking on various commercial roles. More recently, he served as Vice President of Sales at Horizon Mobile, as Vice President of Sales of Trading Apps, and as Global Sales Director of Inmarsat PLC for the aeronautical, maritime, land and government markets. Chris holds an international business degree from University of Technology, Sydney, Australia.

Zachary has worked as a dedicated financier throughout his career which led him to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Satcom Direct in 2018. His knowledge of finance and investing have seen him successfully lead finance departments across multiple industries including, investment banking, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace OEMs.

As Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Zachary takes the lead on all financial matters as he steers global accounting, finance, internal audit, treasury and tax departments. He refines budgeting and financial reporting, to develop pricing models to align with the company’s rapid international expansion.

With over 20 years of broad-based experience in the financial sector, Zachary has been responsible for growth in multiple industries. He began his career as an analyst in private equity. He successfully rose through the ranks taking in periods at investment management and biotech firms before joining Erickson which set him on the path to Satcom Direct.

Crystal Gordon has wealth of experience in a career that spans more than 20 years in aviation businesses and private practice.

Gordon joined Gogo from Bristow Group Inc., the leading global provider of innovative and sustainable vertical flight solutions, where she served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Secretary since 2020. Gordon was appointed to that position after helping lead the merger between Bristow Group Inc. and Era Group Inc. She previously served as Era’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Administrative Officer starting in January 2019.

From 2011 through 2018, Gordon served as the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Air Methods Corporation, an emergency air medical company operating over 400 aircraft throughout the U.S.

Prior to her appointment at Air Methods Corporation, she worked in private practice as a corporate and securities lawyer with Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, in Denver, Colorado. She also held several compliance roles in the financial services industry prior to attending law school.

Gordon earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Santa Clara University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She resides in Denver with her family.

Michael Skov Christensen is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in business aviation and satellite communications. He currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) for Gogo and Satcom Direct’s Business Aviation division, where he is responsible for leading the global commercial strategy and execution.

In this role, Michael focuses on driving business growth, overseeing sales and marketing efforts, and expanding Gogo's presence in the business aviation sector. His leadership is key to developing innovative commercial solutions, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing customer relationships to maintain Gogo's leadership in inflight connectivity.

Prior to his current role at Gogo, Michael held senior leadership positions at Satcom Direct, where he spent over 11 years helping shape the company's global strategy. Michael led the company’s global commercial strategy, working closely with teams across sales, marketing, and product development. His work was pivotal in driving the company's growth, enhancing its market presence, and fostering key partnerships worldwide.

His deep understanding of the business aviation sector, combined with his operational expertise, makes him a key driver in Gogo’s success and growth within the industry.

Colin Quarless is an accomplished strategic leader with a wealth of experience in corporate development, business strategy, and product management. He currently serves as the Executive Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Development at Gogo, a global leader in in-flight connectivity solutions. In this role, Colin is responsible for shaping Gogo’s long-term strategy, identifying growth opportunities, leading corporate development initiatives, and driving mergers and acquisitions to strengthen the company’s market position.

Before joining Gogo, Colin had a distinguished career at Satcom Direct and Thales, where he held several senior roles over a span of nearly 12 years. At Satcom Direct, Colin was responsible for managing cross-functional teams, developing commercial strategies, and overseeing product initiatives that drove corporate growth and market positioning within the business aviation sector.

Colin's work at Satcom Direct involved planning and executing company-wide commercial strategies, ensuring alignment between sales, product management, engineering, and leadership teams to deliver on key growth initiatives to the market. His expertise in strategic planning, market development, and product innovation made him a key player in driving Satcom Direct’s growth and success in the competitive satellite communications industry.

Mike Begler serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) overseeing product management, product engineering, business systems, technology infrastructure, program management, flight deck services, production and supply chain, quality and compliance and all global cabin, flight deck, customer service, and support operations. Mike has been with Gogo Business Aviation for 11 years where, previously, he held the position of Senior Vice President of production operations, overseeing manufacturing and test engineering, supply chain, logistics, warehouse, new product introduction, as well as production and repair station operations. He ensures high quality products are delivered at the right time and at the best value to the customer.

Mike has extensive management experience in all facets of domestic and international manufacturing. This ranges from small, venture capital funded, high tech start-ups (six companies to date) to large corporations with emphasis on the commercial high-tech industries. In the ten years prior to Gogo, he worked for Lockheed Martin Space Systems where he was responsible for the manufacturing of all Space Systems satellite electronics.

Mike’s breadth of experience includes transitioning new technology into profitable businesses. His blend of commercial, department of defense and aerospace manufacturing experience gives him a unique ability y to apply the optimal manufacturing tools, processes and people to the needs of the business.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and completed the Executive Management Strategies and Practices Program at Carnegie Mellon.

Hayden Olson is a seasoned business leader with a proven track record of developing and growing business units across multiple industries. With expertise in business development, pricing, finance, and strategy, Hayden excels at building high-performing teams and driving successful organizational transformations.

As EVP, Government at Gogo, Hayden is spearheading the strategic transformation of SD Government, leveraging his experience in launching and turning around business units to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Prior to joining Gogo, Hayden held various leadership roles in Aerospace and Defense companies, including Erickson Incorporated, DynCorp International, and founded a strategy consulting firm.

Hayden’s extensive career spans medium to large matrixed organizations, with hands-on experience managing operations in international markets. His accomplishments include launching new business units, reorganizing underperforming teams, negotiating strategic partnerships, driving business expansion, and securing government contract awards.