Axiom Space Appoints Chief of International Operations for New Switzerland Entity

‍HOUSTON, August 4, 2026 - Axiom Space, a leader in human spaceflight services and developer of era-defining space infrastructure, appoints Dr. Renato Krpoun as Chief of International Operations - Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), to lead the new Axiom Space, Switzerland subsidiary, based in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Dr. Krpoun brings more than 15 years of experience as a space policy and business leader. Previously, he served as chair of the European Space Agency (ESA) Council at delegate level and spent the past decade as Head of the Swiss Space Office (SSO) at Switzerland's State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation (SERI). At SERI, he directed the federal government's national and international space policy, strategy, and law including Switzerland's investments into space research and development.

"We're excited to have Renato's proven expertise, providing on-the-ground leadership as we expand our broader vision for the EMEA regions to advance the global space ecosystem," said Dr. Jonathan Cirtain, CEO and President of Axiom Space. "Since the establishment of Axiom Space, Switzerland, and now with Renato joining the team, we're doubling our efforts to carry international partnerships forward, enabling research opportunities and direct access to low-Earth orbit (LEO) for institutions, agencies, and governments across multiple regions."

He will lead operational execution in international markets for the EMEA regions, develop strategies for market engagement, regulatory compliance, and manage government/institutional relations in the target regions. He will also serve as a senior liaison between Axiom Space and governments, agencies including ESA, industry partners, and customers.

"I'm excited to join Axiom Space at this pivotal moment for the industry," said Dr. Krpoun. "My career has centered on building international partnerships in space, and I look forward to helping unlock Axiom Space's vision for the next generation of space infrastructure across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa."

His extensive experience includes more than six years at RUAG International (now Beyond Gravity) including serving as systems engineer, mechanisms R&D, ExoMars mission; project manager, composite spacecraft, launch vehicle structures, and thermal engineering; and project manager, USA Launchers. Previously, Krpoun established RUAG Space's composites production factory in Decatur, Alabama, as part of a strategic partnership with the United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Dr. Krpoun earned a Ph.D. in Microsystems and Microelectronics M.Sc. in Microengineering from EPFL and an MBA from the University of St. Gallen.