Executive Bios — Dr. Neil A. Mackay

Dr. Neil Mackay was appointed chief operating officer and executive vice president for EMS Technologies in July 2008, reporting to the President and CEO.

In this role, Mackay oversees the day-to-day operations for all EMS business units, ensuring the Company has the proper operational controls to encourage growth while focusing on operational efficiencies. The general managers from each business report directly to Mackay.

With a corporate business career spanning almost 30 years, more than 15 years with EMS, Mackay has extensive experience as a senior executive in the fields of aviation and most aspects of communications.

Prior to being named COO, Mackay served as EVP of Strategy, focusing on Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). He played a pivotal role in EMS’s acquisition of Australia-based D’Space, a pioneer in developing Inmarsat's BGAN satellite radio protocols, Akerstroms Trux, Northern Europe’s leading supplier of vehicle mount computing (VMC) solutions for warehousing and distribution applications, and Sky Connect, an important provider of Iridium aeronautical products and services.

Mackay joined EMS Technologies in 1993 following it’s acquisition of Ottawa-based CAL Corp., where he was president and CEO. EMS SATCOM was created from CAL. Under Mackay's leadership, EMS SATCOM enhanced its leadership position in both the aeronautical and emergency management markets, and launched a promising entry into the land mobile market.

Mackay has held the position of CEO of a number of telecommunications and aviation companies, including GEAC Computers in Toronto, Innotech Aviation Ltd. in Montreal and the Trinidad and Tobago Telephone Company. He is a recipient of the Canadian Business Aviation Association’s lifetime achievement award for service to the aviation industry.

Before entering corporate management in 1979, Mackay was an associate professor at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada where he lectured at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels in the fields of electronics, communications and signal processing. A holder of major research grants and contracts, Mackay led a team of researchers in the fields of guided radar, optical processing and communications systems. He is the author of some 40 publications.

Mackay obtained his B.Eng with distinction from McGill University in Montreal. He holds a Ph.D. in electronics and communications engineering from Sydney University, Australia.