Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 11 October 2016:– Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PrJSC (Yahsat), the UAE-based satellite operator which is fully owned by Mubadala, has appointed Mona Al Muhairi as Chief Human Capital Officer. Mona has more than 20 years of human capital experience and she has been promoted to the role having previously held the position of Executive Director – Human Capital at Yahsat since 2007. Currently Mona is in charge of performance management, career growth, team development and Emiratization, and is responsible for ensuring that the human capital initiatives support Yahsat’s overall strategic objectives.

Commenting on this latest executive appointment, Yahsat Chief Executive Officer, Masood M Sharif Mahmood said: “Mona has played a key role in developing what is Yahsat’s strongest asset – our human capital. Under her guidance and direction Yahsat has achieved an impressive workforce nationalisation with over 62% UAE Nationals.”

Currently Al Yah 3, Yahsat’s third satellite, is in the final production stage at the satellite manufacture Orbital ATK in the United States. As part of its building process, Yahsat has introduced a global program for the development of its engineers. The program allows a select group of Emirati engineers to participate in the end-to-end satellite manufacturing process to launch Al Yah 3. Furthermore, Yahsat, Masdar Institute and Orbital ATK have initiated a Masters programme in Space Systems and Engineering.

Mahmood added: “I wish Mona my congratulations on her new role that has been earned through dedication and hard work. We have confidence that her efforts will go from strength to strength in building our organisation by overseeing Yahsat’s human capital assets”

Part of Mona’s new responsibilities will be supporting Yahsat’s overall growth, forming the company’s strategic human capital objectives, creating and developing Emiratization initiatives plans, upgrading the human capital practices in addition to leading and planning the national capacity building operations. Furthermore, she will ensure preparedness for strong UAE national cadres, creating a work environment that promotes effective communication and productive cooperation. Ultimately a legacy will be developed that will positively contribute to the UAE’s future development, and establish a strong network of knowledge transfer.