Broadband and Optical Movers and Shakers: Air5 names wireless veteran Jeff Brown as CEO; Digital Realty taps Johnston to lead global channels

Air5 names wireless veteran Jeff Brown as CEO
Air5, a startup company focused on aligning wired and wireless networks, named wireless veteran Jeff Brown its CEO and introduced its patent-pending 5G-standards-based network architecture to harmonize disparate broadband infrastructures. The new concept allows a 5G-based network architecture to share cable’s hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) infrastructure with the industry’s current DOCSIS standard. Brown, a wireless industry veteran and eight-time CEO, has held executive positions with PacTel Cellular (Verizon) and McCaw Cellular (AT&T Wireless). His previous wireless-focused companies included RadioFrame Networks, Kineto Wireless, and Accuris Networks.

Digital Realty taps Equinix exec Johnston to lead global channels
Digital Realty has named Jules Johnston as SVP of Global Channels. Johnston joins Digital Realty from Equinix, where she was instrumental in evolving their channel approach. At Digital Realty, she is tasked with establishing a durable and scalable channel model that further integrates Digital Realty’s offerings into the core of its partners’ business models. To achieve this, the company is deepening its strategic relationships with its partners, including network service providers (NSPs), global systems integrators (GSIs), and value-added resellers (VARs). Johnston's primary objective will be to help Digital Realty's partners derive greater value and growth through PlatformDIGITAL®, its global data center platform, providing more choices regarding location, capacity, and data center services, particularly for enterprise customers. 

Fortress Solutions adds telecom veteran Chan to its board
Fortress Solutions, a global services and software company, has added Ed Chan to its board. Chan has a rich history in the telecom industry. He joined Crown Castle in January 2024 as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), overseeing the company's data, digital, information security, and business support strategies, including business transformation, HR/human capital management, facilities management, and corporate communications. Before this, Mr. Chan spent most of his career at Verizon, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO). As Verizon’s CTO, he was responsible for Verizon's technology strategy, product development, network planning, capital planning, and systems and maintenance engineering. Earlier, Chan served as Chief Network Engineering Officer, overseeing technology architecture, infrastructure planning, and network implementation and operations. Chan holds a BA in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University and a MS in Engineering in Management of Technology from the University of Pennsylvania.

Leviton names two new COOs to align with the direction and growth strategy
Leviton named two new Chief Operating Officers (COO) as part of an enhanced business strategy to better align resources with the company’s strategy and future growth. Bob Becker was promoted to COO of Electrical, and Ross Goldman was promoted to COO of Network Solutions. Becker, previously Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Residential business unit, will be responsible for Residential, Commercial and Industrial (C&I) and Lighting and Controls (L&C) business units as well as Global Supply Chain, while Goldman will be responsible for the Network Solutions business.

Goldman previously held the title of Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Network Solutions business unit, and he will retain his position as Chief Sustainability Officer alongside his new COO role. This change builds on Leviton’s investments across its Electrical and Network Solutions businesses in recent years. 

Motorola adds Elizabeth Mann to its board
Motorola Solutions has appointed Elizabeth Mann to its board of directors. Mann brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in finance, strategy, data analytics, and technology. She is currently the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Verisk Analytics, a global data analytics and technology provider. Previously, Mann was with S&P Global, where she was CFO of the Mobility and Ratings divisions, after serving as senior vice president of capital management, including S&P Global’s tax, treasury, and capital allocation functions. Before S&P Global, she held several roles of increasing responsibility at Goldman Sachs, including managing director of the firmwide strategy group and the technology, media and telecom investment banking group. Before Goldman Sachs, Mann was a Moore Instructor and National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mann currently serves as president of the board of trustees of the Winston Churchill Scholarship Foundation of the United States and previously served as a member of the board of directors of CRISIL, a company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Mann earned a BA in mathematics from Harvard University, a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Oxford and a certificate of advanced study in mathematics from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Churchill Scholar.

Technetix names cable veteran Tony Werner to its board
Technetix has appointed cable industry titan Tony Werner to its board. Werner was formerly President of Technology, Product and Customer Xperience at Comcast, where he and his team developed several industry-leading products, including the X1 platform, the Voice Remote, and XFI. Werner is also an inductee of the Cable TV Hall of Fame, the Cable and Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and has won the NCTA Vanguard award for Science and Technology. Previous executive roles include CTO of Comcast Cable, CTO of Liberty Global, CTO of TCI/AT&T Broadband, CEO of Aurora Networks and VP of Engineering at Rogers Communications. Werner, who has been on Technetix’s Strategic Advisory Board since January 2023, holds Board positions at Liberty Global, Vantiva, MinIO, Krio, and Plume Design. His voluntary roles include directorships of the Syndeo Institute, the SCTE Foundation, and former President and Chairman of the SCTE Board of Directors and the CableLabs TAC. Tony Werner holds numerous patents and earned his degree in Telecommunications from Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount, MN.

Tom Artinian takes the CEO post at TiniFiber
TiniFiber has appointed Tom Artinian CEO, replacing Christian Peterson, TiniFiber’s founder, who will transition to Chairman. Tom Brown, who has served as the interim president since May 2024, will be promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Development and Sales. Artinian comes to the role with 30 years of experience within the fiber optic and cabling industries. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and President at Hitachi Metals’ Wire and Cable division, where he spearheaded transformational initiatives that expanded the company into new markets and achieved double-digit growth. Artinian navigated the division through an ownership transition to Proterial LTD during his tenure.