Chris Blackerby

Background

About Chris Blackerby

I am passionate about building and empowering talented global teams. Over 20+ years in the deep tech space industry—including 10+ years in C-suite level leadership—I’ve learned what drives successful executives and high-performing teams through both achievements and lessons learned. During my career I have opened offices and built teams in multiple countries. I have grown a company into a globally recognized brand, and have led with empathy, humor, creativity, and clarity of mission—principles that transcend sectors and geographies. As a global space industry executive, I bring a uniquely diverse background: • Commercial space C-level leader and Board Director for a Japan-based company. • Extensive leadership experience as a commercial space COO, government official, and international diplomat, offering a holistic view of the global space ecosystem. • Expertise in strategic analysis, policy formulation, international negotiations, and U.S. inter-agency relations. • Proven ability to scale deep tech businesses through operational, strategic, and financial leadership. • Skilled negotiator of high-level government-to-government agreements in space, science, and technology. • Experienced public speaker and panel moderator, having presented at hundreds of global events. I strive to lead with vision and integrity, fostering collaboration that advances innovation and global partnerships in space.