Thomas Lyons

Vice President, Human Resources @ AST SpaceMobile

About

Strategic Global HR Executive | VP, Human Resources | Building Scalable People Operations Across Continents Purpose-driven and results-oriented HR executive with over 30 years of global experience leading Human Resources strategy across complex, fast-paced, and multicultural environments. Proven success scaling organizations across 36+ countries (including all 7 continents) by building agile teams, driving rapid growth, and aligning people strategy with business goals. Known for leading from the front — whether developing HR infrastructure from scratch, supporting hypergrowth startups, or optimizing talent strategy for large-scale global operations. Excel at developing high-performing HR teams, executing transformation initiatives, and fostering inclusive, resilient cultures. Core Competencies: Global HR Leadership | Talent Acquisition Strategy | Change Management | M&A Integration | HR Infrastructure Development | DEI Initiatives | Data-Informed Decision Making | Coaching & Leadership Development Career Highlights: ▪AST SPACEMOBILE – Tripled company headcount; established HR infrastructure; built green-field operation in Hyderabad India, setting up all HR infrastructure and hired core operations staff of 50 heads in 8 months. ▪LEONARDO HELICOPTERS – Restructured HR organization, policies and procedures for highly matrixed service delivery model, redesigned compensation and benefits structure, talent development, and change management initiatives. ▪RTX CORPORATION (Raytheon) – Directed 45 HR professionals over multiple, complex U.S. Government and D.o.D. programs; led US/TCN staffing initiatives; and built HR Shared Service center. Led successful HR operations in Iraq, Kazakhstan and Antarctica.

Country

United States

City

Philadelphia

Industry

Airlines/Aviation

Skill

HR Strategy and Implementation, Change Management, Organizational Effectiveness, Global Expansion, Strategic Human Resources Leadership, Data-driven Decision Making, Management, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Communication, HR Analytics, Recruiting, Aeronautics, Compensation & Benefits, Human Resources (HR), HRIS, Employee Relations, Deferred Compensation, Talent Management, Succession Planning, Employee Engagement

Experience

Vice President, Human Resources

AST SpaceMobile

2022-8 - 2025-8 · 3 yrs 1 mo

United States

Industry: Satellite & Telecommunications | Workforce: 500+ | Global Locations: US, India, Israel, Spain, Scotland, Germany * Lead HR strategy and operations for the world’s first space-based cellular broadband network, supporting over 500 employees across 6 countries. * Built global people infrastructure to support rapid scaling, hybrid teams, and technical talent acquisition across highly competitive markets. * Developed and implemented initiatives in employee engagement, leadership development, DEI, and change management to drive culture alignment and retention. * Designed global HR service delivery model aligned with business growth, supporting an emotionally connected and high-performing remote workforce. * Serve as key advisor to C-suite and Board on all talent, organizational design, and workforce planning matters.

Vice President, Human Resources

Leonardo - Helicopter Division

2005-3 - 2022-10 · 17 yrs 8 mos

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Industry: Aerospace & Defense | Workforce: 900+ | Revenue: $700M *Directed full-scope HR operations at North American manufacturing HQ, overseeing policy, compliance, talent strategy, labor relations, and org development. *Executed a full HR transformation—revamped policies, benefits, training, compensation, and leadership frameworks—streamlining HR delivery and improving workforce engagement. *Spearheaded enterprise-wide change management initiatives across production, engineering, and executive functions during growth and restructuring phases. *Collaborated with international HR counterparts to align global HR practices across Europe and the U.S. *Launched new leadership training pipelines and succession planning models, strengthening internal mobility and retention.

Director, Human Resoures

Raytheon Technical Services Company

2003 - 2005 · 2 yrs

Reston, Virginia, United States

Industry: Government Services & Defense | Workforce: 5,000+ | Revenue: $850M+ *Directed HR operations across 5,000+ global employees in classified, defense, and scientific environments. *Led HR integration and restructuring of complex, multi-entity government programs under the LTS umbrella. *Managed and mentored 45 HR professionals supporting programs for DoD, NASA, and NSF, including WMD Disposition (Iraq), McMurdo Station (Antarctica), and the Neutral Buoyancy Lab (Houston). *Drove workforce mobilization, proposal support, and international compliance across challenging remote and high-risk locations. *Developed shared service HR model to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication across functional lines.

Senior Director, Human Resources

Equant (Orange Business Services)

1995-7 - 2002-1 · 6 yrs 7 mos

Reston, Virginia, United States

Industry: Telecommunications | Workforce: 1,100+ | Regions: Asia, Middle East, Africa, Russia (AMEA) *Led HR strategy and operations across 18 countries within AMEA region, supporting a diverse, multicultural employee base. *Managed and developed 5 regional HR leaders, ensuring policy alignment, performance management, and talent acquisition strategy across regions. *Successfully drove HR alignment during rapid market expansion and M&A integrations in emerging markets. *Implemented region-wide leadership development and retention programs tailored to local cultural and regulatory landscapes.