IBM Elects Frank Baker to its Board of Directors

IBM Elects Frank Baker to its Board of Directors

ARMONK, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The IBM (NYSE: IBM) board of directors has elected Frank Baker to the board, effective October 1, 2026.

Frank Baker, 53, is a Co-founder and the Managing Partner of Siris Capital Group, LLC (“Siris”). Siris is a leading private equity firm that has deployed more than $9 billion of equity capital since inception across technology, telecommunications, and data-focused companies.

Arvind Krishna, IBM chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: “We are excited to welcome Frank Baker to our Board of Directors. I look forward to the perspective and insight Frank will bring as we advance our long-term vision and drive enterprise‑wide transformation through technology both for our clients and across IBM. His deep expertise, proven leadership, and strategy-driven mindset will strengthen our business and further deliver significant value to our shareholders.”

Mr. Baker oversees Siris’ portfolio and leads its investment strategy, driving value creation in established technology companies with mission-critical products and services that are navigating technology changes. His leadership and passion for development have been instrumental in driving the firm’s success.

Prior to Siris, he was a Managing Director at Ripplewood Holdings and began his career in mergers and acquisitions at Goldman Sachs. He currently serves as a trustee of the University of Chicago, Chairman of the Board of the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, and trustee of Deerfield Academy.

Born and raised near Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Baker holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago.

Contact:

Erin McElwee

347-920-6825

Erin.McElwee@ibm.com 

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Diego Mesa Puyo takes over as CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility

• First term for the former Colombian Minister of Energy and Mines aligns with global push to 2030 environmental goals
  
  
  
  
• Country pledges to Global Environment Facility ninth replenishment grow to over $4 billion

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Colombian-Canadian economist and sustainable development expert Diego Mesa Puyo today took up his new role as CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), beginning a four-year term at the helm of the world’s largest public funder for the environment. His mandate coincides with the 2026–2030 GEF-9 funding cycle, backed by over $4.3 billion in initial donor pledges to protect and restore the global environment, including a new pledge of £330 million announced last week by the UK government.

“We have a global responsibility to protect nature and the environment while propelling sustainable economic growth. Achieving the 2030 goals requires bringing development and environmental action together,” said Mesa Puyo. “The GEF is uniquely positioned within the global financial architecture to bring governments, investors and communities together to deliver global environmental benefits that last, and I am honored and delighted to get started on this work today.”

“Investing in nature is investing in resilience and sustainable development for people and planet,” Mesa Puyo continued. “Donor governments have been generous in prioritizing this work through our more than $4 billion replenishment in GEF-9, and I am ready to take this forward alongside our exceptional Secretariat team and with our partners around the globe.”

Mesa Puyo is an international expert in energy policy, economic development, resilience, and sustainability, who most recently served as Deputy Chief of the Climate Policy Division at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He served as Minister of Energy and Mines during Colombia’s 2018–2022 administration, leading one of Latin America’s most ambitious energy transition agendas mobilizing more than $3 billion in private investment.

At the GEF, his tenure will focus on the priorities the GEF’s member countries have agreed for the sprint to 2030 environmental goals: scaling integrated solutions, expanding blended finance, strengthening whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, and improving institutional effectiveness. The GEF-9 funding period will also deepen support for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States and expand engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Mesa Puyo holds a master’s degree in economics from McGill University, a bachelor’s degree in economics from Concordia University, and has held the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation since 2012. He succeeds Claude Gascon, who returns to his role as Director of Strategy and Operations after serving as Interim CEO and Chairperson.

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KSAT Advances Global Lunar Communications Network

Construction is progressing near Yuma, Arizona, on KSAT’s third lunar communications ground station

DENVER, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced continued progress on KSAT Lunar, the world’s first commercial lunar communications network.

Construction is progressing at KSAT’s site near Yuma, Arizona, marking the first 20-meter antenna in the United States to serve the KSAT Lunar network, designed to provide continuous lunar communications coverage. The new site complements systems nearing completion in Western Australia and rapidly progressing in Spain, demonstrating KSAT’s steady progress.

The Arizona site was selected following a rigorous evaluation of environmental, technical, and economic factors to identify the optimal location capable of providing reliable and resilient communications services for robotic and human spaceflight missions.  This location can accommodate additional antennas to satisfy future demand as the lunar economy grows.

KSAT announced its investment in a dedicated lunar communications network in March 2022 and subsequently procured three 20-meter-diameter antennas designed to meet NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Sites (LEGS) specifications. “KSAT is demonstrating that we can turn our vision of the lunar economy into operational reality,” said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT, Inc. “With all three sites advancing steadily, KSAT is on track to deliver a global lunar communications network in time to support NASA, international partners, and commercial customers as lunar activity accelerates.”

Testing will soon begin at KSAT’s site in Western Australia, while assembly of the 20-meter antenna is underway in Spain. In Arizona, site preparation and foundation developments are in-work, keeping progress on track.

Together, the three strategically positioned sites will form a global network designed to provide reliable, resilient, and continuous communications connectivity between the Moon and Earth.

About KSAT Lunar: 

KSAT Lunar is the world’s first commercial end-to-end solution for every stage of lunar mission operations. Supported by KSAT’s lunar ground network, with 20-meter-class dedicated antennas, KSAT will meet the increasing demand for reliable, high-bandwidth communications for lunar and cis-lunar missions. The technical capabilities of our services encompass a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art equipment and advanced functionalities designed to ensure seamless communication, robust data transmission, and efficient control of spacecraft operations. KSAT’s Lunar capability is compliant with NASA’s Lunar Exploration Ground Segment (LEGS) specification for full transmit and receive in X- and Ka-band.

About KSAT: 

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. KSAT operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica. KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry.   

Media Contact:

Miri Casey, Marketing & PR Lead of KSAT Inc.

Miri.Casey@ksat,no 

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Ondo Finance Announces Expansion of Ondo Intelligent Portfolios to Seven With New Magnificent 7, AI and Targeted Portfolios

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — October 1, 2026 – Ondo Finance today announced four new Ondo-designed portfolios, expanding Ondo Intelligent Portfolios to seven offerings. The new portfolios join the three initial portfolios powered by BlackRock and give non-US investors onchain access to some of the markets most closely watched themes, from big tech and artificial intelligence to income. 

This expanded lineup includes MAG7Xon, which pairs the Magnificent 7 with crypto; BRAINon, a portfolio of AI leaders, YLD5on, which targets 5% income; and YLD8on which targets 8% income. Each portfolio combines multiple assets in a single onchain token, with transparent holdings and pragmatic rebalancing. Investors get diversified exposure in one position. 

This expansion marks an early step in a generational shift in how the world invests. It brings more institutional asset allocation expertise onchain and expands who can access it. All seven portfolios are available today to eligible investors on Ethereum and BNB Chain through leading wallets, exchanges and DeFI apps. 

This product line will continue to expand, with additional onchain portfolios over time. 

About Ondo Finance

Ondo Finance is a blockchain-based platform focused on tokenizing real-world assets and bringing institutional-quality financial products onchain. By bridging traditional finance and decentralized infrastructure, Ondo aims to make capital markets more accessible, transparent, and efficient.

About Ondo Global Markets

Ondo Global Markets is an issuance and redemption platform for tokenized publicly traded U.S. stocks and ETFs. It enables investors outside the United States to gain economic exposure to these assets by minting, transferring, and redeeming securities-backed tokens. Each token is fully backed by the corresponding stock or ETF (together with cash in transit).

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IGNITE Social Enterprise Issues Statement on Corporate Independence

HONG KONG, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IGNITE Social Enterprise (“IGNITE”) today issued a statement clarifying its corporate standing and independence, following inquiries and media commentary referencing other direct-selling companies.

IGNITE is an independently incorporated direct-selling enterprise headquartered in Hong Kong. IGNITE confirms that it is a separate legal entity with its own distinct corporate governance, ownership structure, and executive management. IGNITE is not a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, franchisee, licensee, or representative of QNET, nor does either company have legal authority to act for, bind, or represent the other.

As is common across the global direct-selling and retail industries, certain corporate executives, independent brand affiliates, and advisors affiliated with IGNITE possess prior commercial experience with other established direct-selling companies, including QNET. Under standard corporate and commercial law, an individual’s prior professional background does not establish a legal or corporate relationship between independent corporate entities.

IGNITE operates an e-commerce and direct-selling model through which registered Brand Affiliates distribute consumer products—including wellness and lifestyle products under SANAREY, SENA, and ELARA, and digital learning platforms under brAInify—earning commissions strictly tied to bona fide product sales.

“Our focus remains squarely on compliance, product quality, and creating sustainable micro-entrepreneurship opportunities in each market we enter,” said Naresh Balasubramaniam, Chief of External Operations, IGNITE Social Enterprise. “We maintain strict operational standards and adhere to local commercial regulations across all active markets.”

For further details regarding IGNITE’s corporate governance, product lines, and operational structure, please refer to the Official Corporate FAQ available at www.joinignite.com.

About IGNITE Social Enterprise

Founded in 2026 and headquartered in Hong Kong, IGNITE Social Enterprise is a global social enterprise focused on helping micro-entrepreneurs grow through a social e-commerce model combining products, digital tools, education and future-ready services.

Driven by its mission “Own Your Future,” IGNITE provides individuals with digital tools, training and wellness and lifestyle products designed to support personal growth, entrepreneurship and greater economic participation.

Media Contact

IGNITE Global Media Centre

marcomms@joinignite.com

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HABANOS, S.A. HAS UNVEILED THE MONTECRISTO FRAGATA, A NEW TRAVEL HUMIDOR EXCLUSIVELY FOR DUTY-FREE AND TRAVEL RETAIL

HAVANA, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, one of the leading international events for the duty-free and travel retail industry, Habanos, S.A. unveiled the Montecristo Fragata, an exclusive travel humidor created specifically for these channels.

With this launch, Montecristo strengthens its presence in a sector closely linked to travel, discovery and the search for exceptional products, offering travellers and Habano  aficionados a product that combines exclusivity, craftsmanship and the unmistakable character of one of the most renowned brands in the Habanos portfolio.

A new chapter in the history of Montecristo

Founded in Havana in 1935, Montecristo is one of the most recognised and appreciated Habanos brands and an international benchmark for its distinctive flavour and presence in key markets.

The brand takes its name from *The Count of Monte Cristo*, the famous novel by Alexandre Dumas. This literary connection forms an essential part of its identity and has accompanied Montecristo since its origins, linking its legacy to the Cuban tradition and craftsmanship dedicated to the production of Habanos.

Having recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, Montecristo continues to build on its history with new milestones. MontecristoFragata now represents a new stop on that journey: a creation that connects the brand’s legacy with the very essence of travel.

The name ‘Fragata‘ itself evokes the ships that played a vital role in the story of *The Count of Monte Cristo*, where journey, discovery and destiny form an inseparable part of the narrative.

Designed for travel

MontecristoFragata was created with a clear purpose: to accompany the aficionado wherever their journey takes them, regardless of borders, languages or time zones.

The new travel humidor contains 20 Montecristo Fragata Habanos, a brand-new vitola within the brand’s portfolio, presented in the Duke format, with 54 ring gauge x 140 mm in length and the classic Montecristo blend, ranging from medium to full strength.

MontecristoFragataHabanos are crafted Totalmente a Mano con Tripa Larga– ‘Totally handmade with Long Filler’, using leaves selected from the Vuelta Abajo* area in the Pinar del Río* region, renowned for the quality of its tobacco.

Each Habano also features a special band bearing the name of the vitola, reinforcing the exclusive nature of this new offering.

Alberto Donar Cruz, Commercial Vice-President of Habanos, S.A., commented:

“Since its inception, Montecristo has embarked on a journey full of successes, and today we are marking a new milestone in that history. There could be no better setting than Cannes, at the heart of the travel retail world, to present Montecristo Fragata: a travel humidor that combines the brand’s legacy with the spirit of discovery and adventure embodied by its name. It is much more than just a new Habano; it is an invitation to embark on a sensory journey and to take an exceptional experience with you wherever your travels may lead.”

José María López, Vice-President of Habanos, S.A., said:

“We have now been marketing exclusive products for the Duty Free and Travel Retail channels for 20 years, with nearly 20 offerings designed especially for travellers who are Habanos aficionados. Montecristo Fragata continues that legacy with a product that combines the excellence and craftsmanship of Habanos with the character of one of our most renowned brands. Having celebrated its 90th anniversary, Montecristo once again demonstrates its ability to continue surprising aficionados, generation after generation, now with a product specifically designed to accompany them on their travels.”

Montecristo Fragata will be available exclusively through Duty Free & Travel Retail channels.

TASTING NOTES:

Brand: Montecristo 

Factory name: Duke

Commercial name: MontecristoFragata

Dimensions: 54 ring gauge  x 140 mm in length

Strength: Medium to full

Format: Parejo

Appearance: A reddish-brown Habano with a smooth, glossy wrapper. Compact and uniform in construction.

First third: A smooth, creamy draw, with woody notes and a pleasant flavour, although the characteristic intensity has not yet emerged.

Second third: A more pronounced woody aroma, with subtle smoky notes, hints of leather and a slight coffee undertone; more complex in flavour and body.

Third third: The brand’s flavours and medium-strong intensity are clearly discernible; the flavour has developed and gained in complexity.

Smoking time: Approximately 70 minutes 

*P.A.O. (Protected Appellation of Origin)

Recommended Retail Price

• 64,00 USD / 55 EUR per stick  
• 1,280 USD / 1100 EUR per box

*Prices may vary depending on the market

About Habanos, S.A.

Habanos, S.A. is the world leader in the marketing of premium cigars. It operates through a distribution network spanning five continents and more than 130 territories. For further information, visit www.habanos.com.

Habanos have been made ‘Totally by hand’ for over 500 years and, ever since, have set the standard worldwide

Notes for editors

High-resolution product images HERE

High-resolution photographs of the launch event HERE

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