Terra Industries Appoints Former SpaceX Executive Ben MacWilliams as VP of Strategy

Terra Industries,  a defense technology company developing autonomous security systems for critical infrastructure across the Global South, has appointed Ben MacWilliams as Vice President of Strategy as it expands into new markets.

MacWilliams joins Terra from SpaceX,  where he served as Director of Starlink Market Access, overseeing market access across all 54 African markets. During his tenure, he launched Starlink in more than 20 countries and worked directly with presidents, regulators and ministers. Prior to his Africa role, he led market access efforts across the Middle East and Central Eurasia, securing the first low Earth orbit broadband operating licences in both regions.

At Terra Industries, MacWilliams will oversee market entry, licensing strategy and government partnerships as the company expands the deployment of its sovereign autonomous systems across markets in the Global South.

“The next phase for us at Terra is getting our technology to governments that need it. That means licenses, regulators, and relationships across dozens of markets at once. Ben has done this at the highest level, and we’re proud to have him.”

— Nathan Nwachuku, co-founder and CEO, Terra Industries

MacWilliams said Terra has built a company with strong technical capabilities and significant potential, adding that his experience expanding Starlink’s commercial presence and infrastructure across Africa has reinforced the importance of sovereign defence capabilities.

“Nathan, Maxwell, and the Terra team have built a transformational company—with deep technical talent, a bold vision, and real traction. Having spent years scaling Starlink’s commercial presence and infrastructure across the African continent, I understand why sovereign defense capability matters. I’m excited to work with the Terra team and accelerate the mission to empower the Global South to safeguard its people, infrastructure, and natural resources.”

— Ben MacWilliams, Vice President of Strategy, Terra Industries

The appointment comes as Terra Industries enters a period of rapid expansion. The company recently closed a $52 million seed funding round, opened its first international office in London and announced Pax-2, a new manufacturing facility in Ghana scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

MacWilliams’ appointment is expected to strengthen Terra’s ability to navigate regulatory requirements, establish government relationships and bring its autonomous security technologies to additional markets across the Global South.