Frank van der Post Takes Charge as New CEO of WideOpenWest Inc. on Transformation Journey

Frank van der Post Appointed as CEO of WideOpenWest

In a major shift within the corporate landscape of broadband services, DigitalBridge Group and Crestview Partners have announced the appointment of Frank van der Post as the new Chief Executive Officer of WideOpenWest Inc. (WOW!). This decision, effective January 6, 2026, comes as WOW! undergoes strategic transformation aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing customer experience.

van der Post steps into the role after an impressive tenure as President of Breezeline, the fiber-broadband branch of Cogeco Inc., during which he oversaw operations across 13 states. His extensive experience includes senior management roles in notable international companies such as KPN, British Airways, and InterContinental Hotels Group, positioning him as a strong leader capable of navigating highly competitive markets.

"Frank brings deep experience in delivering financial results, modernizing legacy networks, transforming customer experience and driving growth in highly competitive markets," stated Brian Cassidy, President of Crestview Partners. Cassidy also extended gratitude to Teresa Elder for her strong leadership over the past eight years before her retirement.

As the telecommunications industry faces rapid technological advancements and market challenges, van der Post’s leadership will be crucial at a time when WOW! aims to invest significantly in enhancing its infrastructure and operational excellence. Jonathan Friesel, Senior Managing Director at DigitalBridge, expressed excitement about van der Post's arrival, emphasizing that his expertise will bolster WOW!'s commitment to providing an exceptional connected experience through its high-performance networks.

Van der Post’s vision includes a focus on network performance and customer reliability, elements essential for WOW! as it seeks to maintain a competitive edge in the broadband sector. "I want to thank our investment partners for their trust and confidence in me and for the opportunity to lead WOW! into new growth," said van der Post. He aims to leverage the resources available through DigitalBridge and Crestview to elevate the customer experience and promote innovation in WOW!'s service offerings.

This leadership change is part of a broader acquisition strategy. As previously reported, DigitalBridge and Crestview completed their take-private acquisition of WOW! on December 31, 2025. As a result, WOW! common stock is no longer publicly traded. The decision to go private reflects a commitment to investing in the company's operational future and enhancing service delivery without the pressure of public market expectations.

DigitalBridge itself is celebrated as a premier global alternative asset manager specializing in digital infrastructure investments. With a solid track record spanning three decades, the company manages around $108 billion in assets, demonstrating substantial influence in the telecommunications and digital infrastructure sectors.

Crestview Partners, on the other hand, is anchored in private equity focusing on the middle market and managing over $10 billion in capital commitments. With strategic leaders like van der Post at the helm of WOW!, the firms aim to harness synergies between investment and operational strategies to enhance WOW!'s market presence.

The broad implications of van der Post’s appointment are significant for WOW! as it looks to revitalize its customer engagement and service capabilities. As the industry evolves, the focus on delivering cutting-edge broadband services provides a competitive advantage critical for retaining customers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The leadership transition is not just a routine change; it represents a deeper embedding of strategic vision aimed at fostering innovation, ensuring customer satisfaction, and driving long-term growth.

As WOW! embarks on this new chapter under Frank van der Post’s leadership, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the company implements its ambitious plans and solidifies its position as a leading broadband provider in the United States.