Alfaraj assumes the role from April 9, 2026, succeeding Martijn Blanken, who has led the business since its launch. The change reflects Neo Space Group’s shift from initial build-out to accelerated growth, as it scales its capabilities across the space services market.

He joins from stc, where he served as group chief technology officer. In that role, he oversaw network modernisation, cloud adoption and cybersecurity programmes, as well as broader digital transformation initiatives. His earlier career includes senior positions at Mobily and Saudi Aramco, focusing on large-scale engineering and technology operations.

Neo Space Group was established by Public Investment Fund in 2024 to support the development of a national space ecosystem and advance the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030. Since launch, the company has built out a multi-domain platform spanning geospatial services, satellite communications and in-flight connectivity.

This has included acquisitions such as Taqnia ETS, UP42 and Display Interactive, alongside the rollout of new commercial services. The company has secured regulatory approval for its Earth observation platform from the Communications, Space & Technology Commission and launched a dedicated marketplace for geospatial data.

In parallel, Neo Space Group has expanded its presence in the aviation connectivity segment, delivering in-flight connectivity services to a number of international carriers, including Riyadh Air, Thai Airways and Turkish Airlines.

The leadership transition comes as the company looks to deepen commercialisation of its infrastructure assets, including the SGS-1 satellite programme, and broaden engagement across both government and enterprise markets.

With continued backing from PIF, Neo Space Group is positioning itself as a central player in Saudi Arabia’s space strategy, with a focus on scaling domestic capability while building a stronger presence in the global space economy.

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