Palo Alto, CA - Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of innovative satellites and spacecraft systems, today announced that it is increasing its commitment to support U.S. government missions with key executives that bring a depth of experience to the company. Under the direction of Richard White who was promoted to President of SSL Government Systems, Robert Zitz has joined the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for SSL Government Systems. He is joined by Tim Gillespie, who takes on the role of Vice President of Business Development, National Programs for SSL Government Systems.

“I am extremely pleased to make these additions to the management team,” said Howard L. Lance, president and chief executive officer of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc. “Collectively these appointments heighten our ability to pursue and serve our growing base of U.S. government programs and customers.”

Richard White, President of SSL Government Systems

Mr. White, who joined SSL in October 2016 as the Senior Vice President of Government Systems at SSL, will continue to focus on growth in the U.S. government business as well as developing robust solutions across all U.S. government agencies and departments, and will work closely with operations across the company. Mr. White was previously Chief Executive Officer at Capstone Corporation, a privately held services provider to the U.S. government. Before that he served in senior management roles at Harris Corporation from 1982 to 2013, and has been working with the U.S. government for over 30 years to provide advanced mission critical solutions. Mr. White is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology. He resides in Reston, Virginia, and is based at the SSL Government Systems office in northern Virginia.

Robert Zitz, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, SSL Government Systems

Mr. Zitz served the U.S. government for more than 30 years where he made key contributions to improve the processes and outcomes for national security and intelligence missions. He started his career as a U.S. Army civilian intelligence officer supporting counter-terrorism operations. He went on to hold a number of senior executive leadership positions with the Army, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), the National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). He demonstrated expertise and leadership in intelligence analysis, modeling and simulations, architecture analysis, strategy, budget, research & development, cyber-security and infrastructure protection. Upon retiring from government service in 2011, Rob joined the executive ranks of SAIC (later Leidos) where he served as Chief Systems Architect and corporate Strategic Account Executive, focused on growing the company’s Intelligence Community market. Mr. Zitz holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from George Mason University and was a Senior Executive Fellow at Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government.

Tim Gillespie, Vice President, Business Development for National Programs, SSL Government Systems

Mr. Gillespie is a seasoned industry professional who will be responsible for growing business across the Defense and Intelligence agencies and departments of the U.S. government. Since 2013, he was the Vice President, Transformational Programs and National Security for Engility, where he led business development pursuits across the numerous U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence agencies. Prior experience included seven years with Northrop Grumman in its Intelligence Systems division as an Account Director for its classified customers and as the Director of Advanced Technology and Mission Programs. Mr. Gillespie also worked for 20 years with Lockheed Martin in progressively responsible positions within strategic planning and business development. Mr. Gillespie earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

About SSL

Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for 60 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.

About SSL MDA Holdings

SSL is a subsidiary of SSL MDA Holdings, Inc., which is based in San Francisco, CA. SSL MDA Holdings is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and serves as the operating company for all MDA businesses.

About MDA

MDA is a global communications and information company providing operational solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide.

MDA's business is focused on markets and customers with strong repeat business potential, primarily in the Communications sector and the Surveillance and Intelligence sector. In addition, the Company conducts a significant amount of advanced technology development.

MDA's established global customer base is served by more than 4,800 employees operating from 15 locations in the United States, Canada, and internationally.

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd.’s (MDA) common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "MDA."

Related Websites
www.mdacorporation.com
www.sslmda.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements and information, which reflect the current view of MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (“MDA” or the “Company”) with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements in this regard include statements regarding the pursuit of certain government contracts. Any such forward-looking statements are based on MDA’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. The factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, contracts with any government agency not being terminated. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. MDA cautions readers that should certain risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. The risks that could cause actual results to differ from current expectations include, but are not limited to: changes in government policies, priorities, regulations or government agency mandates, or funding levels through agency budget reductions, the imposition of budgetary constraints or a decline in government support or deferment of funding for programs in which the Company or its customers participate; the Company’s ability to effectively execute its U.S. government access plan and realize anticipated benefits of contract awards from the U.S. government and failure by the Company to comply with U.S. regulations could result in penalties or suspension; certain U.S. subsidiaries of the Company are subject to the requirements of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual for their facility security clearance, which is a prerequisite for their ability to obtain and perform on classified contracts for the U.S. government.

For additional information with respect to certain of these risks or factors, plus additional risks or factors, reference should be made to the Company's continuous disclosure materials filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, which are available online under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com or on the Company's website at www.mdacorporation.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the form or content of this release.