Inmarsat today said it has appointed retired Adm. James Ellis Jr. as an advisor to its board of directors. Ellis formerly served as the commander of the Unites States Strategic Command.

“We are delighted that Adm. Ellis has agreed to advise the Inmarsat board and management. He has unparalleled understanding of the global communications requirements of governments for defense and of the maritime sector. His service in the U.S. Navy, within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, in strategy development at the highest level and his academic credentials will prove enormously valuable to us at this stage,” said Inmarsat Chairman and CEO Andrew Sukawaty in a prepared statement.