Our Team.

Iain Hackston CPA, CA, CFA, CAIA

Iain has been active in the space industry since 2005 working with many companies in many different capacities.  A full listing of his space industry experience and educational and professional qualifications follow.

  1. Professional Experience
  2. Education
  3. Professional Qualifications
  • 2024-ongoing: NASDAQ-listed space company: Developed financial model for debt financing
  • 2024 FR-based ground equipment company: Developed financial model and assisted with evaluation of different financing alternatives
  • 2024 VC fund: performed financial due diligence of US-based company targeted for investment
  • 2024: US-based AI company: CFO of the Company
  • 2022-2023: Kleos Space: Supported the Company through fundraising, external audits and other processes to ensure a smooth transition from previously held CFO position.
  • 2021-2022: Signalhorn: Supported the Company with cash flow management following a change in control.
  • 2020-2021: Kacific: Supported the Company by developing a new financial model for the fully funded company, and various ad hoc projects.
  • 2019-2022: Kleos Space: CFO of the Company, recruiting and managing the finance team, supporting fundraising activities and taking care of reporting requirements, including ASX reporting, external audits, and Board reporting.
  • 2018-2019: Signalhorn: Developed financial model for proposed restructuring of the Company.
  • 2018-2019: Kacific: Interim Controller while a new Controller was being recruited.
  • 2017-2018: Leosat: Part-time CFO for the start-up, supporting discussions with potential investors and suppliers.
  • 2015-2016: SES: Supported tax team in the development of Local Files for transfer pricing documentation requirements and developed tax compliance procedures.
  • 2015: Leosat: Developed financial model to support fundraising process.
  • 2015-2020: Portland Advisors
    • 2015-2019: Kacific: Developed financial model and supported the debt raising process of $160m debt facility.
    • 2018-2019: Effective Space Solutions: Developed financial model for debt raising process
    • 2016-2017: Thuraya: Developed financial model for debt raising process.
  • 2014-2015: SES: Brought in as a member of the tax team to develop process documentation and undertake various projects.
  • 2010-2012: o3b Networks: Director Financial Planning and Analysis during the initial fundraising period. Managed the financial model during the debt raising process to fund the first cluster of satellites, and managed the maintenance of the debt facility post-closing.  Awarded inaugural “CEO Award” for “making sacrifices beyond the call and delivering huge value for the company”.
  • 2009: SES Satellite Leasing: Managing Director of the company based in the Isle of Man while a search was made for a permanent MD. Led a project to develop and implement a Roles and Responsibilities framework for the Company.
  • 2008-2009: SES: Developed a tool to model the cash flows of multiple launch service contracts signed with vendors of launch services. Later joined the tax team to work on transfer pricing projects including the development of an intercompany pricing model and contracts for the resale of launch services within the group.
  • 2005-2006: Satlynx (later SES Managed Services): Manager Group Reporting and Analysis during a period of restructuring in the finance department and was awarded a Golden Egg for “Extraordinary performance during 2005”.
  • Master of Science in International Accounting and Finance – with Merit – London School of Economics, London, UK – 2000-2001
  • Bachelor of Commerce – High Honours – Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada – 1992-1996
  • CPA, CA – Chartered Professional Accountant – Canada – Qualified in 2000
  • CFA – Chartered Financial Analyst – Qualified in 2005
  • CAIA – Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst – Qualified in 2023