Throughout his storied career, Charles Fernandez has led more than 100 mergers, acquisitions, and startup projects. This one may prove to be his most successful venture of all.
At 59, Charles Fernandez has been doing what he does for enough years to have experienced anything and everything that could happen during a business negotiation. Mr. Fernandez epitomizes the interdisciplinary qualities of a chief executive who is equipped to take on the broad-ranging challenges presented by global markets in the twenty-first century. He has proven time and time again his finesse in identifying profitable start-up and dislocation opportunities.
Charles Fernandez left Fairholme Capital Management LLC in 2011, where he had co-managed the Miami-based asset management powerhouse’s Fairholme Fund since 2008. Bruce Berkowitz, the founder and co-manager of the Fund, made this statement to a CNN Money reporter in 2010: “The Fairholme Fund’s $1.4 billion return on its investment [in one of its focused purchases, General Growth Properties], would never have been possible without Charles Fernandez.”
After 30 years of building substantial value by executing both private and public exit strategies, he is the real deal; those who have had the good fortune to do business with Charles Fernandez might well call him a consummate transactional specialist. With his indisputable status as a seasoned restructuring expert, Mr. Fernandez has developed an extensive network comprised of industry specialists with comprehensive business, legal, government and academic know-how. All that said, he is always ready for the next challenge, and that opportunity presented itself this year.
In May of 2021, as the world continued to fight its way back through a global pandemic, Charles Fernandez took on a new role as Executive Chairman and CEO of Orbsat [OSAT Nasdaq], a company in which he has also become the largest shareholder.
Orbsat’s U.S. and European based subsidiaries, Orbital Satcom and Global Telesat Communications, are known for having provided global satellite connectivity solutions to more than 50,000 customers located in 165+ countries worldwide.
Bringing his three decades of leadership experience in Business, Finance, Technology and E-Commerce to the expanded Board of Directors, Charles Fernandez is decidedly a key piece of the puzzle as Orbsat navigates its business through the next phase, focused on global growth, and driven by dramatic demand for satellite-connected communications and IoT.
At this juncture, Orbsat is well-positioned to make the most of the momentous opportunities being shaped by global investments in new and upgraded satellite networks. Sectors currently served by Orbsat include government, commercial, and the military, as well as individual consumers. With an emphasis on the company’s long-standing experience and their approach to delivering successful connectivity solutions to the world through next-generation satellite technology, Mr. Fernandez is undoubtedly taking Orbsat to the next level.
When Charles Fernandez accepted his new role as CEO and Chairman of Orbsat, he had this to say: “I believe that Orbsat is ideally positioned to capitalize on the growing global importance of satellite-based connectivity which is now reshaping how individuals, enterprises, governments, and digital assets around the world connect to everything that is important. I am looking forward to leading our team during this exciting period in our history.”
Interestingly, Orbsat generates approximately 70% of its revenues globally from e-Commerce channels, and is highly successful in maximizing those particular opportunities. The combination of Orbsat’s e-Commerce success and Mr. Fernandez’ background [which includes 30+ years of extensive network experience in related markets such as e-Commerce and IoT], set the stage for a strategic decision that was announced in August 2021.
Charles Fernandez explains further: “We are committed to transition the Company to a next-generation e-Commerce platform company, with revenue opportunities across various global high-growth sectors of the e-Commerce space, including tangible and digital assets. In this regard, the Company will be re-branded as NextPlat Corp., which reflects the intent to add new business lines through acquisitions, joint venturing or other partnering opportunities. Orbsat will of course remain in our group.”
The passion that has motivated Charles Fernandez throughout his career will empower him to fulfill the company’s vision for all the sectors that it serves – and to lead the company smoothly and successfully into its next chapter.