The Hague, The Netherlands, December 17, 2001 – New Skies Satellites N.V. (AEX, NYSE: NSK) announced today that Dan Goldberg will take over as CEO ahead of schedule on January 1, 2002, with Bob Ross remaining as special advisor to the company until July, and then as a consultant to ensure continuity of leadership.

“It is a testament to Dan’s strengths as both a leader and manager that the Supervisory Board and I felt we could accelerate the hand-over and thus enhance the efficiency of the transition, as well as allow me to pursue my personal interests,” said Bob Ross. “Having worked with Dan since the early days of our development, I am confident that he is perfectly placed to take up this role immediately."

“I am looking forward to leading New Skies, particularly in this next year as we launch two new satellites and new services,” said Dan Goldberg. “Bob is handing over a company with a solid record of growth and a sound balance sheet and together we will ensure a seamless transition.”

ABOUT NEW SKIES SATELLITES (AEX, NYSE: NSK)
New Skies is a global satellite communications company with five satellites in geosynchronous orbit, three new spacecraft under construction and ground facilities around the world. New Skies offers video, voice, data and Internet communications services to a range of telecommunications carriers, broadcasters, large corporations and Internet service providers around the world.

Additional information is available at http://www.newskies.com, or please contact:
Elizabeth Hess, New Skies Satellites
Tel: +31 70 306 4133, Mobile: +31 6 2906 2492
ehess@newskies.com