IT IS UNKNOWN if Crown Castle’s Board acquiesced to activist investor Elliot Investment Management’s desire to replace CEO Jay Brown with interim CEO Anthony Melone, at left, or Brown had planned to retire after 25 years with the company. With Brown’s concurrence in May, WIA – The Wireless Infrastructure Association elected Cathy Piche, Crown Castle COO – Towers, to its Board to replace Brown and selected her as Vice Chair. However, Piche resigned from Crown Castle in August and joined Phoenix Tower International as its COO. Since Phoenix Tower CEO Dagan Kasavana is on the Board, Brown rejoined the Board as Piche’s replacement. WIA did not announce the Board changes.
Communications infrastructure provider Crown Castle Inc. is undergoing a significant leadership change as CEO Jay Brown has decided to retire, effective January 16, 2024. The announcement comes amidst pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, which has been advocating for leadership changes and strategic improvements at the company.
Brown’s departure follows a series of scathing critiques from Elliott, known for its activism in various companies. Elliott’s latest campaign emphasized the need for “enhanced governance and fiber-strategy improvements” at Crown Castle. The activist fund, managing approximately $2 billion in Crown Castle investments, had called for comprehensive leadership changes, citing long-term underperformance.
Interim CEO Appointed
The Crown Castle Board has appointed Anthony Melone, a seasoned telecom executive and current board member, as the interim CEO, effective January 16. Melone brings over three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, having served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Verizon Communications.
The Board will thoroughly search to identify a permanent successor for the CEO position. The transition is a critical phase for the company, and the Board aims to find a leader who aligns with the future vision and goals of Crown Castle, the company said.
Brown has been integral to Crown Castle for nearly 25 years, holding various key positions, including President and CEO since June 2016. Recognizing Brown’s contributions, P. Robert Bartolo, Chair of the Crown Castle Board, expressed gratitude for his unwavering commitment to the company’s growth.
Activist Investor’s Influence might see a sale of Crown’s fiber arm
Elliott had been persistent in its calls for change at Crown Castle, emphasizing the need for a shift in leadership and strategic focus. The activist investor outlined underperformance and unfulfilled value concerns, urging the company to consider adjustments in its fiber business and small cell operations.
Industry analysts had previously debated the likelihood of change at Crown Castle, with some expressing doubts while others hinted at the potential for adjustments. Elliott’s latest campaign and the subsequent retirement announcement have prompted various responses, with financial analysts adjusting their outlook on Crown Castle’s stock.
Elliott’s involvement with Crown Castle dates back to 2020, and the recent campaign, titled “Restoring the Castle,” continues its efforts to drive changes in the company’s leadership and strategy. The fund is pushing for bylaw changes to review Crown Castle’s fiber business and has yet to rule out the possibility of a sale.
As Crown Castle navigates this leadership transition and addresses the concerns raised by Elliott, the industry will be closely watching for further developments. The company’s strategic decisions and the selection of a new CEO will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory.
