Spire Global taps new CFO

Vienna-based space-focused data and analytics company Spire Global has appointed Alison “Ali” Engel as its new chief financial officer, effective April 1.

Engel brings nearly two decades of CFO experience, most recently serving in that capacity for LeaseAccelerator from 2023 to 2024. Before that, she was CFO and treasurer of media company Gannett from 2015 to 2020, and of media holding company DallasNews (formerly A.H. Belo) from 2008 to 2014.

“Ali has a strong track record of steering companies through complex challenges in rapidly evolving industries,” Spire CEO Theresa Condor said in a statement. “Her many years of experience as a public company CFO bring steady leadership in financial controls, strategic business partnership and team building. I am excited to welcome her and the wealth of experience she brings to the team at Spire.”

She replaces interim CFO Thomas Krywe who will remain as an executive adviser for through April. In her new role, she will be based in the company’s Vienna headquarters.

“Spire has established a proven infrastructure in a dynamic industry with immense opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Engel in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside Theresa and the leadership team to drive the business forward, capitalizing on these opportunities, and ultimately, improving life on Earth with data from space.”

Engel received her Master of Professional Accountancy degree and a bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin.

Spire is a global provider of space-based data, analytics and space services that builds, owns and operates a fully deployed satellite constellation that observes the Earth in real time using radio frequency technology. Data from Spire’s satellites provides global weather intelligence, ship and plane movements and spoofing and jamming detection. Spire has more than 430 employees, with nine offices around the globe.