Senior Advisor
Benjamin (“Ben”) MacWilliams is an international business strategist and former senior executive at one of the world’s leading aerospace and satellite communications companies, with an exceptional track record of opening complex markets, securing government approvals and advancing major commercial initiatives across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. Combining senior-level government relationships with deep expertise in frontier technologies and international commercial strategy, he has worked directly with heads of state, cabinet ministers and other senior decision-makers to unlock market opportunities and accelerate business expansion.
As director of market access for a major global satellite broadband business, Ben led international expansion across all 54 African countries, securing 23 new operating licenses and enabling rapid commercial growth. Previously, he directed market access efforts across the Middle East and Central Eurasia, securing the first-ever low Earth orbit satellite broadband operating licenses in both regions. His work helped establish the regulatory and commercial foundations for the deployment of transformative satellite communications technology in some of the world’s most challenging markets.
Ben brings clients a rare combination of commercial execution, diplomatic experience and direct engagement with senior government leadership. He advises companies and sovereign clients on international expansion, strategic partnerships, market entry and navigating complex political and regulatory environments, particularly where commercial success depends on effective engagement with governments.
He began his career as a US diplomat, serving in the Middle East, Europe and the US, with a focus on emerging and disruptive technologies and their implications for international policy.