- Steven Moskowitz departs as CEO after less than a year.
- CFO Dan Schlanger appointed interim CEO.
What happened: Leadership change at Crown Castle
Crown Castle Inc., a prominent U.S. communications infrastructure provider, has announced the termination of CEO Steven Moskowitz after a tenure of less than a year. The company stated that the decision aligns with its recent strategic shift towards focusing exclusively on its U.S. tower operations. Moskowitz’s departure is not attributed to disagreements over company policies, financial performance, ethical, or compliance issues.
Dan Schlanger, the current Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as the interim CEO while the board initiates a search for a permanent successor. Moskowitz joined Crown Castle on April 11, 2024, from American Tower Corp., where he served as president of the U.S. Tower business.
Also read: Crown Castle sells fibre and Small Cells businesses
Also read: Crown Castle sells fibre assets for $8.5B
Why it is important
This leadership transition occurs shortly after Crown Castle’s announcement of an $8.5 billion sale of its small cells and fibre solutions businesses, underscoring the company’s commitment to becoming a pure-play U.S. tower operator. The move reflects a broader industry trend where infrastructure firms are streamlining operations to concentrate on core assets.
The appointment of CFO Dan Schlanger as interim CEO suggests a focus on financial stability during this period of transformation. Schlanger’s familiarity with the company’s financial landscape positions him to oversee the divestiture process effectively and maintain investor confidence. The board’s search for a permanent CEO will likely prioritise candidates with experience in tower operations to align with the company’s renewed strategic direction.
