With DigitalGlobe, MDA Merger Complete, CEO Jeffrey Tarr Resigns

DigitalGlobe’s headquarters in Westminster, Colo. Photo: Griffin Capital

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) announced on Oct. 5 that it has completed its acquisition of DigitalGlobe. Following the successful closing of the merger, DigitalGlobe Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeffrey Tarr stated he will be departing the company.

MDA also announced that it will change its name to Maxar Technologies, and its U.S.-headquartered operating company, SSL MDA Holdings, will become Maxar Technologies Holdings. To ensure a seamless transition, Tarr will serve as an advisor to Maxar Technologies through at least January 2018.

Maxar Technologies encompasses four commercial space technology brands: SSL, MDA, DigitalGlobe and Radiant. The company plans to continue to use the individual business unit brands and will roll out the new corporate branding design elements by the end of 2017.

“Our new corporate name highlights the broader capabilities of the combined organization,” said Howard Lance, president and CEO of MDA. According to Lance, the newly combined company will offer a broader set of space-based solutions, increased scale and a more diversified revenue base. He will continue to lead the combined company as president and CEO.

MDA undertook a major corporate reorganization in May as part of its U.S. Access Plan strategy, including the appointment of Lance and the formation of SSL MDA Holdings, with its headquarters in San Francisco, California, which manages and controls all of the company’s operations across Canada, the U.S. and internationally. This process was completed under the guidance and approval of the U.S. Department of Defense, whereby SSL MDA Holdings operates under a security control agreement. This structure allows the company to pursue and execute U.S. government programs that require security clearances.