Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. announced that its board of directors has appointed Jeff Leddy as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Mr. Leddy has served on the company's board of directors since January 2013 and will continue as a director. Dave Davis resigned as a board director and as CEO effective February 20, 2017 to pursue other endeavors.

He will continue to support the company as a consultant during a transition period. Mr. Leddy is recognized as a high-caliber CEO and transformational leader of large and growing companies, most recently serving as the founder and CEO of Verizon Telematics (formerly Hughes Telematics, prior to its purchase by Verizon in July 2012), which is a leader in next generation connectivity solutions in North America, China and Europe. Prior to Verizon Telematics, Mr. Leddy held various executive positions at SkyTerra Communications, including serving as CEO and President and as a member of its board of directors, and as a director at Hughes Network Systems. The company also announced that Tom Severson, executive vice president & chief financial officer, resigned, effective February 20, 2017.

The board has initiated a CFO search to consider candidates for the position. In the interim, Mr. Leddy will serve as the company's principal financial officer.