ICEYE strengthens UAE presence with local CEO appointment

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – August 3, 2026 – ICEYE, the world leader in sovereign intelligence from space, today announced the appointment of Christos Kolimenakis as Chief Executive Officer of ICEYE UAE.

The appointment reflects ICEYE’s long-term commitment to the UAE and reinforces the growing strategic partnership between the European Union and the UAE in space, defence and advanced technologies. By establishing dedicated local leadership, ICEYE is expanding its long-standing presence in the country to deepen collaboration with government, industry and national champions, while supporting the UAE’s ambition to become a leading global space hub.

Kolimenakis joins ICEYE after a 15-year career at JPMorgan, most recently serving as a Managing Director in the firm’s UAE office. During his tenure, he led JPMorgan’s Innovation Economy coverage across EMEA, building long-standing relationships across the technology ecosystem and advising many of the region’s most innovative companies throughout their growth journeys. Having spent a significant part of his career in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE, he brings extensive leadership experience and a strong understanding of the region’s rapidly evolving technology and innovation landscape.

As UAE CEO, Kolimenakis will lead ICEYE’s operations in the country, strengthen strategic partnerships and support the company’s long-term growth in the UAE. He will also work closely with customers and stakeholders to help develop sovereign space capabilities and contribute to the long-term growth of the UAE’s space ecosystem.

Christos Kolimenakis, CEO of ICEYE UAE, said: “The UAE has established itself as one of the world’s most ambitious and forward-looking space nations. I am proud to join ICEYE at such an exciting stage in the company's journey and to help lead its next phase of growth in the UAE. Our ambition is to expand ICEYE’s local presence while working alongside government, industry and research institutions to strengthen the country’s space ecosystem, support sovereign capabilities and further deepen the strategic partnership between the European Union and the UAE in advanced space technologies.”

Rafal Modrzewski, CEO and Co-founder of ICEYE, said: “The UAE has been an important partner for ICEYE for many years, and this appointment is an important next step in that relationship. Christos brings senior strategic experience and a deep, first-hand understanding of the UAE and the wider region. With his dedicated local leadership, we are well positioned to deepen our cooperation with government, industry, universities and the broader space ecosystem in the country, and to deliver on the ambitious plans we have for the UAE in the years ahead."

ICEYE designs, builds, and operates the world's largest and most advanced SAR satellite constellation, delivering continuous intelligence to governments and customers worldwide, in any weather, day or night. ICEYE-built constellations are available as a fully sovereign capability, free from ITAR restrictions. ICEYE delivers the satellites as part of a complete, secure system that can be launched, deployed, and operational at industry leading speed, including ground segment, comprehensive training, and continuous software updates.