Herbert C. Edgar Jr.
Herbert Clarence Edgar Jr., also known as Herb Edgar, was an American international telecommunications executive who worked at GTE International Systems from 1966 to 1983. He would be apponited vice president in 1974, overseeing worldwide marketing and sales of satellite ground stations, microwave networks and related communications systems.
A member of Yale’s Class of 1954, Edgar worked at RCA International and Laboratory for Electronics before joining GTE. While at GTE, he would generate over 150 million dollars in sales for the company and nagoteate it's largest international deals.
In 1983, he founded the Huntington Group, an international consulting business. In 1988, he joined Telesciences CO Systems as SVP of Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
Life
The son of RCA executive Herbert Clarence Edgar Sr., Edgar was drawn to technology and engineering. Although his father encouraged him to study business, he chose electrical engineering, graduating from Yale University in 1954.
His work took him around the world, where he formed relationships with foreign dignitaries, presidents, prime ministers, and U.S. State Department officials who would personally request his involvement when negotiations became difficult.
He is remembered for his exceptional intelligence, his satirical sense of humor, and a natural charm that made anyone feel at home.
He died on January 30, 1990.
Work
Central African Telecommunications Agreements (1974)
Signed deal with President Bokassa, for a $2.8 million dollar microwave-network.
Upper Volta Satellite Ground Station (1975 & 1976)
Signed deal for satellite communications project in present-day Burkina Faso.
Chad Satellite Station Financing (1976)
Presented the 1976 GTE feasibility study and secured U.S. export financing for a new satellite ground station.
Punta Arenas Satellite Station Bid (1976)
Signed deal with Chile for a 4.8 million dollar satellite station, outbiding Mitsubishi preposed deal.
Sierra Leone Satellite Negotiations (1976)
Signed $2.2 million dollar deal for satellite telephone station.
Polish Equipment Negotiations
(1978)
Signed the first American telecommunications deal with the Soviet Union to obtain Polish equipment and supplies for the Central African telecommunications network.
Bangui–Berengo Radio Link Restoration (1978–1979)
Reduced tensions over failed radio link, and oversaw it's resteration.