Global Eagle Entertainment Names Tom Severson Chief Financial Officer

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2016 -- Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ:ENT) (“GEE”), the leading provider of global satellite-based connectivity and media to rapidly expanding mobility markets, today announced the appointment of Tom Severson as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately.  Mr. Severson replaces Michael Zemetra, who resigned to pursue another opportunity.

Mr. Severson most recently served as CFO of Emerging Markets Communications (“EMC”), which GEE acquired last month. Since the acquisition, he served as CFO of GEE’s Maritime and Land service line.  “We are pleased to have such an experienced leader joining our executive team as we enter this exciting new chapter for our company,” said Dave Davis, Chief Executive Officer of GEE. “Tom’s 15 years in the media business, as well as his tenure as EMC’s CFO, will be invaluable as we look to create efficiencies across all of our verticals and capitalize on the strategic growth opportunities presented by our recent acquisition.  I want to thank Mike for his numerous contributions to our company during his tenure, and we wish him the best in his next opportunity.”

Earlier in his career, Mr. Severson served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Myxer, a streaming music internet radio company with over 16 million monthly visitors. Prior to that, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Nicklaus Companies, the golf course design, golf equipment, and licensing business led by legendary professional golfer Jack Nicklaus. Before his time with Nicklaus Companies, Mr. Severson was CFO of American Media, a leading publisher of magazines and books, and Paxson Communications Inc., a then publicly-held American broadcasting company (and now ION Media). Very early in his career, Mr. Severson was the Chief Accounting Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group and worked as a CPA in the audit assurance practice of KPMG.

"I couldn’t be more excited to join GEE’s accomplished leadership team at this pivotal moment,” Mr. Severson said. “GEE’s recent acquisition of EMC is a game changer for the mobility industry, and I’m looking forward to helping the company expand its leading market position across air, sea and land.”

About Global Eagle

Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ:ENT) is a leading provider of satellite-based connectivity and media to fast-growing, global mobility markets across air, sea and land. Supported by proprietary and best-in-class technologies, GEE offers a fully integrated suite of rich media content and seamless connectivity solutions that cover the globe. With approximately 1,500 employees and approximately 50 offices on six continents, GEE delivers exceptional service and rapid support to a diverse base of customers around the world. Find out more at: www.geemedia.com.

Investor Contact:

Kevin Trosian
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
+1 310-740-8624  
[email protected] 

Media Contact:

Jenelle Benoit
Director, Marketing & Communications
+1 310-321-6612
[email protected]