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 and oversaw market access across all 54 African markets. During his tenure, he launched Starlink in more than 20 countries and worked with governments and regulators across the continent.
He previously led market access efforts across the Middle East and Central Eurasia, where he helped secure the first low Earth orbit broadband operating licences in both regions.
At Terra, MacWilliams will oversee market entry, licensing strategy and government partnerships as the company expands the deployment of its autonomous security systems across the Global South.
The appointment comes as Terra enters a period of expansion following a $52 million seed funding round, the opening of its first international office in London and plans for Pax-2, a new manufacturing facility in Ghana scheduled to open in Q4 2026.
MacWilliams’ experience in regulatory engagement and market expansion is expected to support Terra’s efforts to establish government partnerships and bring its autonomous security technologies to additional markets.
