Gary B. Smith Nominated to Join Planet’s Board of Directors: Strengthening Leadership for Growth and Innovation
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL), a leading provider of daily Earth data and insights, has announced the nomination of Gary B. Smith, President and CEO of Ciena, as a Class I director for election at its upcoming Annual Meeting of Stockholders on July 10. This strategic addition underscores Planet’s commitment to aligning its board with the company’s evolving objectives as it continues to grow as a premier data platform in the space industry.
A Strategic Addition to Drive Growth and Innovation
In a rapidly evolving space industry, ensuring that leadership reflects the company’s goals is critical to long-term success. According to Will Marshall, Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairperson of Planet, Gary’s extensive expertise across technology, operations, and sales makes him an invaluable asset to the board.
“Gary’s expansive career and leadership across technology, operations, and sales is invaluable to Planet’s continued growth as a data platform company,” said Marshall. “As Planet and the space industry at large continue to evolve and mature, ensuring board alignment with our business objectives is critical – and we know Gary’s expertise will be instrumental in helping us reach our goals.”
Gary’s nomination comes at a pivotal time for Planet as the company seeks to scale its operations, enhance its bottom-line performance, and deepen its impact on global industries through its unique Earth observation data. His leadership experience in driving technological innovation and operational excellence aligns seamlessly with Planet’s mission to leverage its unparalleled dataset for meaningful global impact.
Gary B. Smith’s Vision for Planet
Gary expressed his enthusiasm for joining Planet’s board, highlighting the company’s mission-driven approach as a key factor in his decision.
“I am honored to be nominated to join Planet’s Board of Directors at such an exciting time as the company drives growth and bottom-line performance,” said Gary B. Smith. “What drew me to Planet, like so many, was its mission: to use its deep and unique dataset and collaboration to drive meaningful impact. I look forward to contributing to Planet’s continued success and its vital role in shaping our understanding of the world.”
With over two decades of experience leading Ciena, a global leader in networking systems, services, and software, Gary brings a wealth of knowledge to Planet’s board. His tenure at Ciena has been marked by transformative growth, operational efficiency, and a focus on innovation—qualities that will undoubtedly benefit Planet as it navigates the complexities of scaling its business.
A Proven Track Record of Leadership
Gary’s career is distinguished by senior executive roles at some of the most respected organizations in the technology and telecommunications sectors. Before his current position at Ciena, he held leadership roles at Intelsat, Cray Communications, Inc., and Case Communications Group. Additionally, Gary served on the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) from 2011 to 2023, appointed by former President Barack Obama.
His board experience extends beyond Ciena, with previous roles on the boards of Commvault and Avaya, as well as leadership in initiatives with the Center for Corporate Innovation. Gary’s diverse background and proven ability to navigate complex industries make him a valuable addition to Planet’s board as the company continues to expand its influence in both commercial and government sectors.
Recent Board Additions Reflect Strategic Focus
Gary’s nomination follows the March 2025 appointment of General John W. “Jay” Raymond, the first Chief of Space Operations of the U.S. Space Force, to Planet’s board. General Raymond’s unparalleled expertise in government space operations highlights Planet’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships with U.S. government customers. Together, these appointments signal Planet’s dedication to building a board that reflects its dual focus on innovation and collaboration with key stakeholders.
Transitioning Leadership: Honoring Contributions of Outgoing Directors
As Planet welcomes new members to its board, it also acknowledges the contributions of outgoing directors. Heidi Roizen, who has served on Planet’s board since March 2018, and Niccolo de Masi, who joined following the company’s public listing in 2021, will not stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual Meeting.
Planet extends its heartfelt gratitude to both Heidi and Niccolo for their invaluable service during pivotal moments in the company’s history. Their dedication and leadership have played a crucial role in shaping Planet’s growth trajectory and solidifying its position as a leader in the Earth observation industry.
Why Gary B. Smith’s Appointment Matters
Gary B. Smith’s nomination to Planet’s board represents more than just a leadership change—it signals a strategic move to position the company for sustained growth and innovation. As Planet continues to harness its unique dataset to address global challenges, having a leader of Gary’s caliber on the board ensures that the company remains aligned with its mission while adapting to the dynamic demands of the space industry.
His expertise in scaling technology companies, combined with his deep understanding of operational efficiency and market dynamics, positions Planet to capitalize on emerging opportunities. From expanding its customer base to enhancing its product offerings, Gary’s insights will be instrumental in guiding Planet’s next phase of development.
