Jean-Yves Le Gall, chairman and chief executive office of Arianespace, has received the Achievement Award by the organisers of the World Space Risks Forum 2012.

Jean-Yves Le Gall has devoted his entire career to the European Space Programme and has held senior positions in the French Ministry of Industry, Novespace, CNES as well as Starsem and Arianespace which he joined in 2001.

During his time at Arianespace he has overseen the completion of the highly successful Ariane 4 programme, and the development of the Ariane 5 into the European workhorse launch vehicle with 46 successful flights since 2001. In addition, Le Gall has been instrumental in establishing the Soyuz at the Kourou launch base as well as the Vega, which has just completed a successful maiden launch.

Amongst numerous awards bestowed on Le Gall, he also holds the rank of Knight in both the Legion of Honour and the National Order of Merit.

Jeff Cassidy, chairman of the World Space Risks Forum 2012, said: “Jean-Yves Le Gall heads a company that has enjoyed tremendous success with the reliability of their launch vehicles, and has earned the trust and confidence of both clients and insurers worldwide. This award recognises the extra-ordinary effort Monsieur Le Gall has contributed to the success of Arianespace, which in turn has benefited both customers and Insurers.” - TradeArabia News Service