Cox names former Clearwire CIO as new CTO

Cox Communications Inc. added a former Clearwire Corp. (CLWR) executive to its executive roster naming Kevin Hart as its EVP and CTO effective April 25.
In his new position, Hard will be responsible for providing “overall leadership, strategic and operational direction to the planning and development of an integrated technological platform.” Cox added that Hart will also be responsible for aligning the technology strategy with overall business objectives.
While at Clearwire, Hart served as CIO overseeing the company’s information technology, enterprise network deployment planning office and business process management functions. Hart also previously worked as CIO as Level 3 Communications and Southwestern Bell Communications.
Hart left Clearwire earlier this year as part of a management shake up at the carrier that also saw CEO Bill Morrow and chief commercial officer Mike Sievert leave the company and CFO Erik Prusch move from CFO to COO. Clearwire tapped wireless industry veteran John Stanton to lead the company in the interim as it searches for a permanent CEO.
“As an accomplished leader, Kevin has a strong track record of driving business results in telecommunications companies,” said Cox President Pat Esser. “Kevin’s strong background in IT transformation, technology deployment, strategic planning and operations will be important as Cox continues to evolve to better serve our customers.”
Cox’ wireless division recently lost its leader when Stephen Bye left the company to become VP of technology at Sprint Nextel Corp. Len Barlik, EVP of product development and management at Cox was tapped to run the wireless division until a permanent replacement is found.