Broadband and Optical Movers and Shakers: Extenet names Sharp as CFO; Freedom Fibre names Vautier as CEO

Extenet names Sharp as CFO to drive strategic growth
Extenet, a wireless and fiber digital infrastructure solutions provider, has named financial expert Jim Sharp as CFO. Starting on October 1, Sharp will be based in the company's Frisco, TX headquarters, overseeing Extenet's financial strategy and capital markets activities and driving long-term growth objectives. Sharp brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including SVP of finance and financial reporting at Amherst, where he was instrumental in enhancing the company's financial operations and strategic planning. His career includes significant roles as CFO and Treasurer at TIER REIT and senior positions at Behringer Harvard and Ernst & Young.

Freedom Fibre names Vautier as CEO
Freedom Fibre, a UK alternative fiber network provider, has appointed Nathan Vautier as its new CEO. Vautier succeeds founder Neil McArthur, who will transition into a strategic role while serving on the company’s board. With over 25 years of industry experience, Vautier has held various senior leadership roles in the telecom sector, starting in infrastructure with Ericsson, then Sony Ericsson, EE, and Brightstar, before moving into private equity-backed businesses. Most recently in his career, following Community Fibre’s acquisition of Box Broadband, Nathan was appointed CEO of Box Broadband with a mandate to lead the company’s business transformation, increasing customer penetration, operational efficiency, and ultimately the integration into Community Fibre, completed successfully earlier this year.

Grain Management names Verizon executive Steven Smith to managing director
Grain Management added Steven Smith as managing director of the investment team. Smith, who has more than 30 years of experience in advancing enterprise growth in the global TMT industry, will be based in Washington, D.C., working out of the Firm's headquarters alongside Grain's international team of investment and operations professionals. Before joining Grain, Smith developed his executive experience at Verizon, where he most recently led Corporate Finance with oversight of the international carrier's enterprise-wide financial planning and analysis capabilities, its multi-billion-dollar capital program, Wireless Business Development, as well as FP&A and Data Analytics Centers of Excellence. Smith also brings experience in wireless spectrum transactions, having played a key role in securing and managing Verizon's spectrum assets. Smith began his career as an Engineer at Dover Electronics Manufacturing, a Dover subsidiary, and later at NYNEX Corporation, an early predecessor of Verizon. He holds an MBA from the University of Rochester and a Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Binghamton University.

INCA names telecom Veteran Paddy Paddison as new CEO
The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) has tapped Paddy Paddison as its new CEO, succeeding founder Malcolm Corbett, who will transition into an advisory role. As one of the founders of Wildanet Ltd, a successful rural alternative network provider, Paddison brings hands-on experience in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing INCA's members. INCA founder Malcolm Corbett led the organization to become the largest Altnet trade body in the UK since its launch in 2009 and will continue to support Paddy on a consultancy basis through to the end of the year. Paddison’s leadership will focus on expanding INCA's influence, enhancing member services, and driving the association’s efforts to shape policy and regulatory frameworks that support a competitive and innovative telecommunications landscape.

Mediacom Communications makes key management promotions
Mediacom Communications recently announced several promotions for critical members of its corporate management team:

· Glenn Goldsmith, senior VP of programming: Goldsmith is principally involved in the company’s cable and broadcast network acquisition efforts, which include negotiating programming and retransmission consent agreements for new and traditional media rights and strategic multiplatform initiatives. He originally joined Mediacom in 1998 as an intern in the Accounting Department. Goldsmith holds a BS in Accounting from Marist College. While working at Mediacom, he earned his MBA in Marketing and Management from State University of New York, New Paltz, and a MSJ degree in Copyright and Intellectual Property Law from Seton Hall University School of Law and holds certificates from both Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program and Columbia Business School Executive Education.

· Joe Appio, group VP of programming/distribution: Appio is responsible for contract negotiations related to programming, in-home video devices, IP streaming, enhancing customer experiences, and creating products for new services. Before joining Mediacom in 2013, Appio was COO and a partner of US Cable Group, responsible for managing its cable systems, including field operations, dispatch, commercial sales, programming, and regulatory affairs. He also served on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Telecommunications Association as Officer and Treasurer and is a senior member of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers. Appio holds a BS in Business from Nyack College and has accumulated telecom certifications from New York University’s School of Professional Studies.

· Kristi Salmon, group VP of acquisition marketing: Salmon oversees brand positioning, customer acquisition and retention campaigns, and new product launches for business and residential marketing. She joined Mediacom in 2010 from World Wrestling Entertainment. Before WWE, she spent four years in various roles, including Promotions Manager at Seventeen Magazine. Salmon earned her BA in marketing from Fordham University and holds certificates from Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program.

· Camille Stevens, VP of accounts payable: Stevens oversees all company invoice processing, contract and policy compliance, and associated reporting to senior management. She joined Mediacom in 2001 and has grown in various accounting roles at Mediacom. Stevens earned an AAS degree in Business Management and an AAS Degree in Massage Therapy, both from Orange County Community College. She also has a degree from the American Institute of Banking.

·  Danny Williams, VP of information technology - Business Solutions: Williams provides technological solutions to field technicians, supervisors, field support teams, and Mediacom’s OnMedia Division. He joined Mediacom in 2010 from Kaiser Permanente and has been promoted into various management roles throughout his tenure. Williams holds a BS in Computer Science from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

Technetix’s president of Canada, David Atman, is retiring
David Atman, President of Technetix Canada, retired this week. After a 45-year career in the cable TV industry, Atman will step down from his role. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable job and a distinguished chapter with Technetix. David has long been known for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to serving the evolving needs of cable TV providers globally. Beginning his journey at Lindsay Electronics, he held several leadership positions, including president, director of sales and marketing, and regional sales manager. His customer-first approach and deep understanding of the industry were critical to the lasting partnerships he established during his career and the bedrock for his role in developing innovative, client-specific solutions. His work leaves an indelible mark on the industry. David was appointed President of Lindsay Broadband in 2005 and became President of Technetix Canada following Technetix's acquisition. 

TIP elects Intel’s Caroline Chan as president
The Telecom Infra Project (TIP) has tapped Caroline Chan, VP of the Network and Edge Group at Intel Corporation and a current TIP board member, to be elected president. Chan is the longest-serving TIP Board member and has been a member since 2017. At Intel, Caroline drives new services across the network infrastructure ecosystem, working closely with network providers, cloud service providers, and enterprises. In her role at Intel, she drives new services across the network infrastructure and works closely with network service providers, cloud service providers, and enterprises. Caroline and her team lead pathfinding of advanced technology solutions enabled and accelerated by 5G capabilities such as AI, Machine Learning, Blockchain, Data Analytics, Immersive Media, Cloud gaming, and others.