Technology >> CEO Interviews >> December 27, 1999
DR. THOMAS E. SHARON is the Chairman and CEO of EMS Technologies, Inc.
Under his guidance, EMS has expanded its role from a space components
supplier to a leading provider of wireless and satellite communications
solutions. Under his leadership, EMS acquired Spar Aerospace LTD's
Satellite Products unit in Montreal in January 1999, cementing the
company's position in the commercial space industry. He also is leading
the company's expansion into broadband satellite services, underscored
by the recent equity investment in NetSat28 Company LLC a move that
paves the way for the companies to offer fast, affordable satellite-
based Internet access in 2002. Dr. Sharon joined EMS as a senior
engineer in 1971 and played a hands-on role in many of the technologies
leading to EMS' emergence as a significant space and electronics
company. He served in a number of technical and management assignments
prior to becoming President in 1987. In July 1994, he was named CEO of
EMS. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors since 1984
before being elected Chairman of the Board in April 1998. Dr. Sharon
earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has a Master of Science and a
Ph.D. degree in Engineering Science and Physics from the California
Institute of Technology. In 1977, Dr. Sharon was inducted into the
National Space Foundation Hall of Fame for his work on the NASA-
sponsored Advanced Communications Satellite (ACTS) Program, a two-year
demonstration satellite program to advance the benefits of Ka-band
satellite technology to the commercial world. He also holds several
patents in space and electronics applications. He is married with two
children. Profile
Inc.? Then tell us what you see as your business and company today.
Dr. Sharon: EMS is a relatively old company. We were
