Cox Communications promoted Kelly Williams, previously head of the operator's project management organization, to vice present of wireless product and operations.
In his current role, Williams is responsible for the development, management and support of wireless products and services. He takes over for Stephen Bye, formerly Cox's vice president of wireless, who left the cable company earlier this year to join Sprint Nextel as vice president of technology.
"Kelly was instrumental in creating and executing the overall project plans for the initial deployment of Cox Wireless," Cox executive vice president, product development and management Len Barlik said in a statement. "Kelly's experience and proven leadership will benefit Cox greatly as we further the availability of Cox Wireless and continue to enhance the Cox customer experience."
Atlanta-based Cox has launched wireless voice and data services, with the "Unbelievably Fair" marketing campaign, in several markets, including Hampton Roads, Va., Omaha, Neb., Orange County, Calif., Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Okla. Next up are Cox's New England market, which includes Rhode Island and communities in Connecticut, and Cleveland, Ohio. Overall the MSO expects to introduce the wireless services to half its footprint in 2011.
The operator is providing 3G service initially through a wholesale agreement with Sprint. Cox also is building its own CDMA network with an eye toward evolving that to a 4G Long Term Evolution wireless network.
Previously, Williams was responsible for Cox's enterprise project management organization, which developed and executed the overall project plans for deploying Cox Wireless. He also ran the wireless network operations team, which included operating and maintaining the core wireless network elements as well as the back-office systems that supported the wireless line of business.
Prior to joining Cox, Williams spent 23 years with BellSouth, Cingular and AT&T in a variety of roles and responsibilities. Those included VP and general manager of BellSouth International Wireless Services; VP and general manager Bellsouth's Nicaragua wireless company; head of core technology strategy for Cingular Wireless; and various other marketing, operations, project management, strategy, product development, product management and planning roles.
