Global Eagle Entertainment, a start-up aimed at providing content and broadband entertainment to the airline industry, said Thursday that it has named Nielsen global president Steve Hasker to its board of directors.

"We're excited to have Steve join GEE's Board of Directors," said Global Eagle CEO  Dave Davis in a statement. "Steve brings a wealth of experience to our board and company, including unique insights into the world of what consumers watch and buy. As we expand our digital media advertising and inflight entertainment offerings, including with our AIR Series of products, we believe Steve will provide innovative ideas and relationships to help propel GEE forward."

Hasker currently serves as global president at Nielsen, overseeing its media business as well as its entire global product portfolio across the media and consumer sectors. Previously, he served as president, global products at Nielsen.

Global Eagle was formed in formed in 2011 by former CBS Entertainment and Sony Pictures Entertainment president Jeff Sagansky and former MGM chairman and CEO Harry Sloan as a special purpose acquisition company and raised about $190 million to invest in the in-flight entertainment industry. Current customers include Southwest Airlines and several international carriers, such as Hong Kong Airlines,  Nok Air (Thailand)  and Canadian carrier WestJet.