Near Earth LLC. named Dan Ramsden to build the company’s growth-oriented investment banking practice. Previously, Ramsden was a managing director at Bentley Associates, where he was involved in sourcing, banking and distribution of private placements for telecom and media companies as well as handling mergers and acquisitions.

Near Earth also promoted John Stone from director to partner. Stone joined Near Earth in November 2004 after a career as a sell-side equity research analyst and satellite engineer.