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Andrew streamlines business units

WESTCHESTER, Ill.—Roll with it—that’s what Andrew Corp. is doing as it streamlines its executive team and reorganizes its product groups to “capitalize on the company’s positive momentum” and address growing opportunities in the wireless infrastructure market.

By Oct. 1, the company said its five product groups will be consolidated under its new Wireless Network Solutions and Antenna and Cable Products business groups.

Wireless Network Solutions will be headed by Mickey Miller, formerly president of Andrew’s Base Station Subsystems group. The new product group will house Andrew’s former Base Station Subsystems, Network Solutions and Wireless Innovations groups.

John DeSana has been tapped to head the Antenna and Cable Products team, which Andrew said will include its former Satellite Communications Group and will contain the vast majority of its portfolio of antennas, cables and related products.

Bob Hudzik, formerly president of Andrew’s Wireless Innovations, is slated to step up as senior vice president and chief human resources officer, replacing Karen Quinn-Quintin, who is leaving the company. Morgan Kurk, vice president of research and development, has been appointed acting general manager of Wireless Innovations, reporting to Miller in Wireless Network Solutions.

Corporate functions including Procurement and Technology, Strategy, and Corporate Development will be folded into the two new operating segments. The moves will push J.C. Huang, chief technology and strategy officer, and Fred Lietz, vice president of procurement, out the door. Also leaving is Jim Petelle, vice president of law and assistant corporate secretary. His duties will be handled by Justin Choi, senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.

Corporate officer Jim LePorte, currently vice president of sales operations, will join Wireless Network Solutions as vice president of finance.

“Andrew begins a new fiscal year with considerable momentum and these changes will build upon the many improvements and progress we saw in 2006,” said Ralph Faison, president and chief executive of Andrew. “Our organization and leaner management team will be more closely aligned to our customers’ evolving requirements and demonstrate greater efficiency and innovation.”

Wall Street hardly noticed the company’s announcements as Andrew’s stock traded down 9 cents at $9.51 per share.

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