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DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners Appoint Frank van der Post as CEO of WideOpenWest (WOW!)

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DBRGWOW!
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Van der Post will lead the company's growth and transformation plans BOCA RATON, Fla., Jan. 6, 2026 ...

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AI Summary

DigitalBridge's recent appointment of Frank van der Post as CEO of WideOpenWest signifies a strategic push to enhance growth and customer experience. With a robust leadership background, van der Post aims to modernize WOW!'s operations, leveraging DigitalBridge's substantial asset management capabilities.

Trading Thesis

DBRG is poised for growth as it invests further into the digital infrastructure sector.

Market-Moving

  • Appointment of van der Post could invigorate WOW!'s operational growth.
  • DigitalBridge's significant asset portfolio enhances WOW!'s market position.
  • Strong leadership changes often signal strategic shifts that can impact investor sentiment.
  • WOW!'s customer experience focus may attract more subscribers in competitive markets.
  • DigitalBridge's continued investment in digital infrastructure is likely to drive future growth.

Key Facts

  • Frank van der Post has previously led Cogeco's broadband operations.
  • DigitalBridge is focused on digital infrastructure investments.
  • The WOW! acquisition by DigitalBridge and Crestview was completed on December 31, 2025.
  • DigitalBridge manages a total of $108 billion in assets.

Companies Mentioned

  • WideOpenWest Inc. (WOW!): WOW!'s transition to private ownership under DigitalBridge may enhance its strategic focus.
  • Crestview Partners (N/A): Crestview's role in the acquisition indicates strong backing for WOW!'s growth strategy.
  • Cogeco Inc. (N/A): Van der Post's experience at Cogeco may provide valuable insights for WOW!'s performance.

Corporate Developments

The article highlights corporate leadership changes and strategic developments in digital infrastructure, showcasing a positive growth trajectory for companies like DBRG that are engaged in this space.

FAQ

Why Bullish?

The leadership change and strategic focus on customer experience are positive signals. Historically, similar leadership transitions have led to better operational performance and stock price increases.

How important is it?

The appointment of van der Post and digital infrastructure investments align closely with DBRG's growth objectives, making it crucial for stakeholders and investors to monitor these changes.

Why Long Term?

The strategic initiatives and transformation plans laid out will take time to materialize into measurable results and market appreciation.

Related Companies

DBRGWOW!

DigitalBridge and Crestview Partners Appoint Frank van der Post as CEO of WideOpenWest

Company Symbol: DBRG

Leadership Change at WideOpenWest

DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (NYSE: DBRG), a leading global alternative asset manager, along with Crestview Partners, has announced the appointment of Frank van der Post as the new Chief Executive Officer of WideOpenWest Inc. (WOW!). This decision comes as Teresa Elder retires, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the broadband provider.

Frank van der Post's Background

Frank van der Post brings extensive experience in the telecommunications industry to WOW!. Previously, he served as President of Breezeline, where he led operations across 13 states under Cogeco Inc. His career also includes a significant role as Chief Commercial Officer at KPN, a major Dutch telecommunications operator, and he has held leadership positions with British Airways and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Vision for the Future

Brian Cassidy, President and Head of Media at Crestview Partners, expressed enthusiasm for van der Post's appointment, stating, "Frank brings deep experience in delivering financial results, modernizing legacy networks, transforming the customer experience, and driving growth in highly competitive markets." Cassidy commended the leadership of Teresa Elder, acknowledging her contributions over the past eight years.

Commitment to Growth and Transformation

Jonathan Friesel, Senior Managing Director and Head of Fiber at DigitalBridge, emphasized the importance of van der Post's leadership as the company aims to accelerate its growth plans. Friesel asserted, "We look forward to investing in network and customer experience enhancements, pursuing operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional connected experience over WOW!'s high-performance networks."

In his statement, van der Post acknowledged the trust of the company's stakeholders, indicating a strong commitment to enhance network performance and reliability, thus improving customer experience and igniting growth in competitive markets.

Completion of Take-Private Acquisition

DigitalBridge and Crestview announced that their affiliated investment funds successfully completed the take-private acquisition of WOW! on December 31, 2025. Post-transaction, WOW! common stock is no longer available on public securities exchanges, further signaling a strategic shift under the leadership of the new CEO.

About DigitalBridge and Crestview

  • DigitalBridge (NYSE: DBRG): A prominent alternative asset manager focusing on digital infrastructure, managing $108 billion in assets for its partners.
  • Crestview: A New York-based private equity firm established in 2004, focusing on middle-market investments with over $10 billion in committed capital.

About WideOpenWest (WOW!)

WOW! is recognized as one of the leading broadband providers in the United States, offering high-speed Internet, cable TV, home and mobile phone services, as well as business data and cloud services in key markets, including Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

For media inquiries, please contact:

  • DigitalBridge: Jonathan Keehner / Sarah Salky at Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, (212) 355-4449
  • Crestview: Jeffrey Taufield or Daniel Yunger at Kekst CNC, (212) 521-4800
  • WideOpenWest, Inc.: Debra Havins, (720) 527-8214 or Andrew Walton, (610) 585-2123

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