ST Engineering iDirect names Sridhar Kuppanna as CEO

ST Engineering iDirect Names Sridhar Kuppanna as CEO

ST Engineering iDirect, a satellite communications company, appointed Sridhar Kuppanna as Chief Executive Officer on March 31, 2026. Kuppanna replaces Don Claussen in the role.

Kuppanna previously served as Chief Technology Officer, where he led development of the company's technology roadmap. His focus areas included cloud-native architecture, multi-orbit connectivity, AI-driven network automation, and 5G NTN (non-terrestrial networks).

As CEO, Kuppanna will oversee execution of the company's modernization strategy, which the company calls its Intuition-led approach. His responsibilities include delivery of products and operational performance.

What This Means for Executives

The appointment signals a shift toward AI and automation in satellite networks. For executives overseeing infrastructure or connectivity strategies, understanding how multi-orbit systems and AI-driven automation work is becoming essential to competitive positioning.

Kuppanna's background in technology strategy suggests the company plans to accelerate its move away from legacy satellite systems toward cloud-based, automated networks. This matters to organizations evaluating satellite connectivity as part of their infrastructure plans.

For those managing technology strategy, AI for Executives & Strategy offers frameworks for evaluating how AI automation affects operational decisions in infrastructure and connectivity decisions.