Wave Broadband has localized its business operations into two separate and regionally focused entities. Effective immediately, Wave North serves Wave's business and residential customers in Washington state, while Wave South serves those in Northern California and Oregon. The move is operationally focused, as both entities will continue to serve customers under the Wave Broadband brand.
To support Wave North's operations as well as Wave's regional functions, the company has signed a 45,600-square-foot lease in Bothell, WA's, Monte-Villa Center, to become operationally effective in the early summer of 2019. Additionally, Wave has leased 31,600 feet in SODO Row, a revitalized destination for industrial and creative space located south of downtown Seattle and owned by Terreno Realty. Wave expects to be operational at the SODO Row location by the fall of 2019. The new facilities replace Wave's previous plans to move its headquarters into the Kirkland Urban development and are a direct result of Wave's desire to decentralize its operations.
Wave South's operations center will continue to be based in the company's existing Rocklin, CA, facilities.
Broadband industry veterans Fred Lutz and Jared Sonne have joined Wave North and Wave South, respectively, to lead and grow each business, both as general managers and senior vice presidents. Each organization will continue to operate as part of the national consortium with RCN and Grande Communications.
"Fred Lutz and Jared Sonne bring exceptional industry and leadership experience and are building localized operations to advance the superior customer service, reliable communication services, and strong overall value that our business and residential customers have come to expect," said Chris Fenger, chief operating officer of RCN, Grande and Wave. "The establishment of Wave North and Wave South enables us to make business decisions closer to our customers and employees while we continue to invest in our network, enhance our products and services, and capitalize on future growth opportunities."
Lutz brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to Wave North, most recently in executive roles with Digital Globe Services and AXS TV. He previously served as general manager and regional vice president of Charter Communications (NASDAQ:CHTR), where he led Charter's five-state Western Region.
Sonne previously served as senior vice president of Suddenlink Communications. His prior leadership roles with the company included vice president of operations and vice president of fiscal operations.
No immediate changes are planned to Wave's products, services, or pricing.