Employee Spotlight: Deric Latendresse – Sr. Corporate Counsel at Kymeta
June Li on September 17, 2024
At Kymeta, legal expertise plays a crucial role in ensuring the company’s innovative solutions are successfully brought to market. From navigating complex regulatory landscapes to supporting strategic business initiatives, the legal team is vital to every aspect of the company’s growth. In this spotlight, we invite Deric Latendresse, Senior Corporate Counsel, to share his experience in this key role. Over the past four years, Deric has tackled a wide range of legal challenges, helping to safeguard Kymeta’s interests while supporting its mission to deliver connectivity solutions across the globe.
What sets Kymeta apart for Deric is the dynamic nature of the work. “The wide breadth of work streams that all teams are working on simultaneously and getting to be a part of different aspects is what makes this role unique,” Deric says. His day could start with reviewing a standard sales agreement, shift to addressing a complex regulatory issue related to product development, and continue with various strategic discussions. “No two days are the same, and that keeps it exciting,” he adds.
When describing Kymeta’s company culture, Deric highlights the team-first mindset. He appreciates how nimble the company is in adjusting to the rapidly evolving landscape of satellite communications, where every team member shares the common goal of delivering the best products and customer experiences. “Kymeta is nimble enough to pivot swiftly and aggressively as needed, with a team that is all focused on creating the best products and experiences for our clients,” Deric notes. He values this environment where teamwork and collaboration drive innovation.
One part of Kymeta’s mission that resonates deeply with Deric is the company’s focus on providing essential services, like connectivity, in parts of the world where such services are scarce. He believes that communication and information are vital in today’s world, and Kymeta’s products fill those gaps by creating access to information where it’s needed most. “Kymeta’s products make communication and information widely available where there would otherwise be ‘black holes’ around the globe,” he says, sharing how fulfilling it is to be part of a company making such a significant impact.
When talking about his team, Deric describes the close collaboration within the legal department. “The legal team is tight-knit given our size, always aware of what is going on with each other and eager to help out where we can,” he says. Like the broader Kymeta team, Deric’s group shares a vision that makes working together seamless and exciting.
Professionally, Deric’s role at Kymeta has significantly broadened his expertise and sharpened his abilities as a corporate counsel. Handling a wide array of legal issues, he has gained experience across multiple areas of law, which has made him a more versatile legal professional. Unlike the more specialized roles at other companies, where tasks can become repetitive, Deric appreciates that every day at Kymeta brings a fresh challenge, pushing him to continuously grow and adapt.
Outside of work, Deric enjoys golfing, spending time with his family and friends (and his dog), and cheering for UW Husky Football. This blend of work and life reflects his well-rounded approach to both his career and personal life.
Deric’s colleagues have nothing but praise for him. Kimberley Sherrell, Sr. Director of Product Operations, notes,
Deric is an invaluable resource for Kymeta. He is always available for consults, eager to answer questions, and passionate about keeping Kymeta’s best interests as the primary objective. He’s not shy about rolling up his sleeves and digging in to understand complex issues. Kymeta is fortunate to have Deric as part of the team.
Jeanne Strand, Legal Operations Manager, says,
Deric brings to our legal team his depth of experience and actual enjoyment of reading and negotiating legal contracts. He’s also one heck of a golfer!
Nima Seyedali, Senior Vice President of Legal, adds,
Deric is an exceptional member of Kymeta’s legal team, combining sharp legal acumen with a proactive approach aimed at advancing organizational goals. His dedication and trustworthiness have earned him the confidence of colleagues on the business side, including the leadership team.
Deric’s journey at Kymeta exemplifies how legal expertise, collaboration, and dedication come together to support the company’s mission and drive success. With his enthusiasm for the ever-changing work environment and commitment to the team, Deric continues to play an essential role in Kymeta’s growth and success.
- Category: Employee Spotlight, Uncategorized