14 DAY TRIAL // Clearwire, the first wireless carrier in the United States to launch a 4G network in the country, has just announced that it appointed a new CEO, and that some other executive changes also took place within the company.
The company got John Stanton, chairman of Clearwire’s board of directors and former CEO of Western Wireless and VoiceStream Wireless, as it new CEO on an interim basis, effective immediately.
Until now, Clearwire had Bill Morrow as CEO, but he resigned, and also retired from the board of directors, citing personal reasons.
However, the carrier announced that Morrow will serve the company as an advisor to the company during the transition period to a new CEO.
The company has already appointed a search committee, which has board member Dennis Hersch as its chairman, to search for a new CEO.
“I would like to commend Bill for his tremendous leadership in building the first U.S. 4G network, adding more than 5 million subscribers, and raising funds in a challenging economic environment,” said John Stanton.
“Bill built a strong leadership team which enables us to promote Erik Prusch and Hope Cochran to new roles. Together, the entire management team at Clearwire remains focused on delivering value to its customers and shareholders.”
The carrier announced a series of other executive changes as well, including naming Erik Prusch, Clearwire’s CFO, ion the new position of chief operating officer (COO).
In his new position, Prusch will oversee Clearwire's day-to-day operations, including wholesale and retail sales, marketing, customer service, supply chain, human resources, IT and network operations.
His position as CFO will be fulfilled by Hope Cochran, Clearwire’s senior vice president and treasurer, he will be responsible for the company’s financial and investor related functions,
Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer, and Kevin Hart, CIO, will leave the company, Clearwire announced, adding that they will both remain with the company during the transition period.
“We thank Mike and Kevin for their service and contributions during an incredible period of growth for Clearwire, and we wish them continued success in the future,” said Stanton.