CEO Fired By Public Long Island Telecommunications Company Comtech

MELVILLE, NY — Ken Peterman was fired as CEO and president of Comtech, a publicly-traded company based in Melville, the company announced. Peterman was also removed from the board.

“Mr. Peterman’s termination was for conduct unrelated to Comtech’s business strategy, financial results or previously filed financial statements,” Comtech stated in a news release.

Comtech trades on NASDAQ under the ticker CMTL. The company works in terrestrial and wireless networking, 9-1-1 emergency services, satellite and space communications technologies, and cloud native capabilities to commercial and government customers globally.

John Ratigan, chief corporate development officer, was appointed as interim CEO, effective immediately, by the board of directors.

“As a leading global provider of next-generation 911 systems, secure wireless technologies and satellite communications, Comtech is at the forefront of innovative trusted connectivity solutions,” Ratigan stated. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team and the Board as we continue successfully executing on One Comtech, building on the Company’s recent momentum and creating value for shareholders, customers, partners, employees and other stakeholders.”

Ratigan is an “accomplished executive who brings over three decades of experience and senior leadership expertise across the global satellite technology sector,” Comtech wrote. He has a “deep familiarity” with Comtech, having spent 10 years at EF Data Corp. before it was acquired by Comtech in July 2000. He drove “significant revenue growth” over his tenure.

“As CCDO at Comtech, Mr. Ratigan has proven himself an instrumental member of the executive team, identifying and optimizing market shifts currently underway and executing on the Company’s One Comtech strategy,” Comtech stated.

The board elected current board member Mark Quinlan as chair of the board.

“The Board is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct,” Quinlan stated. “The Comtech Board remains committed to our strategy and mission of serving the complex and secure connectivity needs of the government and commercial sectors. We are fortunate to have a leader of John’s caliber leading Comtech’s talented organization at this important moment as we continue to deliver mission-critical solutions to our global customer base. With our commitment to innovation and competitive market position, Comtech is well positioned to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities ahead.”