CHANTILLY, VA. – April 3, 2025 – LightRidge Solutions, a leader in advanced space payloads and on-orbit processing technologies to support national space and defense needs, welcomes James Yates as Chief Growth and Strategy Officer. James has over three decades of experience in the space an airborne sector as well as with telemetry and RF products, serving most recently as Vice President of Business Development & Strategy at Honeywell and in similar roles at L3Harris, L-3 Technologies and L-3 Communications.
In his new role, Yates will be responsible for providing strategic guidance and leadership for all aspects of the company’s business development functions. He will also lead the company’s expansion in the space payload and space electronics markets. This includes identification of business opportunities, creating new market opportunities, lead capture of opportunities, and serve as the primary business development interface to these markets all while supporting the overall LightRidge mission.
“James not only brings steeped experience in the fastest growing areas of our business — space payloads and RF & processing electronics, his breadth of scope includes other key areas of our growth strategy including airborne sensors and C4ISR tactical radios and communications equipment,” said Bill Gattle, CEO of LightRidge Solutions. “The addition of James to the LightRidge team comes at a strategic time in the development of our portfolio as we are poised to expand into new growth areas. I am confident he has the ideal background capable of maximizing our opportunities and leading our customer focused initiatives.”
Yates will play a key role in providing oversight to LightRidge’s three business units, Geost, Trident and Ophir, including leading the business development organization, managing the LightRidge customer relationships, analyzing competitors to position for growth, and fostering a relationship network with government and industry partners.
