B-SAT appoints new President and CEO

Japan’s Broadcasting Satellite System (B-SAT) has appointed Takashi Yabashi as its new President and CEO. Mr Yabashi was previously B-SAT’s Managing Director.

Mr Yabashi has more than 30 years of experience in broadcast technology. He joined the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) in 1975 after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. In 1985 he joined JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) as the Technical Expert and for two years he contributed greatly to the development of the broadcasting network in the Republic of Peru.

In the ITU, Mr. Yabashi was involved in the development of the broadcasting satellite service plan, known as The Plan, from 1988 to 1999. He made a significant contribution to the transition from analogue to digital for terrestrial and satellite broadcasting.

From 2000 to 2010, he returned to NHK and held the posts of Senior Associate Director of the Corporate Planning Bureau, Director of the Planning Division and Director-General of the Engineering Administration Department.

Mr Yabashi was appointed Managing Director of the B-SAT in 2010.