Toby O’Brien’s career spans over three decades and is marked by significant milestones in the aerospace and defense industry.
Now chief financial officer at satellite communications services provider Intelsat, O’Brien is part of an executive team guiding a company through an upcoming merger with SES after reversing a decade-long financial struggle to realize two years of consecutive growth.
“The industry is very competitive, more competitive every day, and bringing our two companies together really brings complementary capabilities,” he said.
O’Brien leads the integration planning efforts for Intelsat. He said the combined capabilities of Intelsat and SES will offer greater flexibility and innovative solutions for government and commercial customers.
Lessons and career
Since joining Intelsat in May 2022, O’Brien has made a significant impact on the industry through his strategic leadership and vision, working closely with CEO Dave Wajsgras, a former Raytheon executive like O’Brien.
Like many young adults, O’Brien initially wasn’t sure what he wanted to study in college. Over time, he landed on accounting, obtaining a degree from Boston College and building on an aptitude for math that had developed in high school.
After graduation, he joined Raytheon and started a 2-year rotation in financial leadership development. He had no idea what to expect. But he quickly latched onto the analytical side of the work, enjoyed the continued work with numbers and appreciated having a deeper understanding of business. His early years at Raytheon were characterized by diverse roles and constant learning.
“There was really never a day when I looked back and regretted my career or even thought about leaving,” O’Brien said. “It just turned out to be such a natural fit.”
This unwavering commitment set the stage for a career that would see him navigate some of the most challenging and rewarding moments in the industry.
O’Brien worked at Raytheon for 34 years and played a crucial role in shaping the industry, particularly through his involvement in one of the most significant mergers in aerospace and defense history, the April 2020 merger of Raytheon and United Technologies Corp. The move created Raytheon Technologies, a $74 billion company with 195,000 employees at the time and the world’s largest and most advanced aerospace and defense systems provider.
“Even when businesses are performing well, you’re not always going to be operating in favorable conditions,” O’Brien said, reflecting on the challenges he faced over the course of his career.
Today, O’Brien emphasizes the importance of over-communicating during tough times, ensuring employees understand the challenges, the company’s strategy and the expected outcomes.
“People want to know there’s a future,” he said. “Whether through one-on-one communication or all-hands types of meetings, town halls, skip levels, you need to make sure you’re as transparent as possible and people understand what’s going on.”
Beyond communication, O’Brien also adopts a personalized approach to leadership. He recognizes that different individuals have different needs; some may require more guidance, while others thrive on autonomy.
A new chapter
O’Brien’s tenure at Intelsat has also been marked by a major financial turnaround.
“We’re in the best financial position the company has been in for quite some time,” O’Brien said, attributing this success to the collaborative efforts of the senior leadership team and the entire employee base. This turnaround is particularly significant given the company’s previous decade-long decline in revenue, he said.
A major factor in Intelsat’s financial success was the early completion of a Federal Communications Commission-sponsored project to clear C-band spectrum for 5G in the U.S. Finished four months ahead of schedule, the project highlighted the company’s ability to handle complex initiatives with precision and efficiency, he said.
The success not only strengthened Intelsat’s financial position, earning a $3.7 billion reward, but also demonstrated the company’s innovation and adaptability in a fast-evolving industry, O’Brien said.
One of the notable developments under O’Brien’s leadership was Intelsat’s partnership with optical networking startup Aalyria, which led to a demonstration of advanced Joint All-Domain Command and Control capabilities with the Defense Innovation Unit.
In his role as CFO, O’Brien is not just focused on financial performance but also on strategic growth. He is keen on continuing to invest in technologies with new space companies, such as working with HiSky for ruggedized terminals and Relativity Space for 3D-printed satellite launch vehicles. These partnerships are part of Intelsat’s broader strategy to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of Intelsat’s customers, he said.
‘Execute and meet your commitments’
Outside of work, O’Brien enjoys spending time with his wife and two young adult sons, playing golf and supporting Boston’s professional sports teams. He also has a growing affinity for the D.C. Commanders. Until recently, he and some friends co-owned a sports bar in a Boston suburb, a testament to his deep roots in the community and his passion for sports.
As he continues to lead at Intelsat, O’Brien remains focused on execution and delivering on commitments. His advice to other CFOs, particularly in government contracting, is to plan ahead, build relationships and stay in front of industry trends.
“The best thing you can do is execute and meet your commitments,” O’Brien said.
As Intelsat prepares to roll out a 5G terrestrial and space network using software-defined satellites, O’Brien’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation.
“With the 60 years of experience we have at the company, it’s all about being able to provide the solutions that our government and commercial customers want,” he said.