N※N

Comcast C-Suite Shuffle: Steve Croney to Succeed Dave Watson at Platforms Business

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. o-succeed-dave-watson-at-platforms-business.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 21:05 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-30 299 x 168 / 7987 Bytes

2025-10-30 275 x 183 / 5575 Bytes

2025-10-30 300 x 168 / 8754 Bytes

2025-10-30 300 x 168 / 6560 Bytes

A seasoned insider takes the helm

Steve Croney has been with Comcast since 2000, holding a variety of roles that have given him deep insight into the company’s cable and digital businesses. Before his promotion, he served as president of Comcast Cable and later as senior vice‑president of the company’s broadband business. In those roles, Croney was credited with driving several key initiatives, including the rollout of Gigabit‑speed internet to more than 300,000 customers in the United States and the expansion of Comcast’s network to cover an additional 100,000 square miles of underserved terrain.

Croney’s new mandate is to lead the entire Connectivity organization, which includes the company’s fiber‑optic network, high‑speed internet service, and emerging data‑center and cloud offerings. He will be responsible for scaling the network to support millions of new homes and businesses that Comcast expects to bring online over the next several years. The connectivity business is also a cornerstone of the company’s “Connectivity Strategy,” which aims to position Comcast as a “full‑stack” provider capable of delivering high‑quality internet, TV, and cloud services from a single platform.

Dave Watson steps back after a storied career

The promotion of Croney follows the announcement that Dave Watson, who had led the connectivity division for the past 15 years, will step down from the role. Watson, who joined Comcast in 1998, has been a key figure in the company’s expansion into fixed‑line services and is widely respected for his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments. According to Comcast’s statement, Watson will remain with the company in a senior advisory capacity, providing guidance on strategic initiatives and ensuring a smooth transition for the connectivity division.

Watson’s departure underscores the company’s willingness to refresh its leadership team as it shifts focus toward a more integrated service offering. While Watson will leave the day‑to‑day operational responsibilities, his long‑standing relationships with local governments and regulators are expected to continue to benefit Comcast as it rolls out new fiber projects across the country.

Why the change matters

The leadership shift is significant for a few reasons. First, the connectivity division is one of Comcast’s fastest‑growing business lines. According to a recent earnings report, the division’s revenue grew by 12% year‑over‑year, driven largely by the expansion of its fiber network and the growth of its high‑speed internet customer base. The company is targeting a 20% increase in connectivity revenue over the next three fiscal years, and Croney’s experience in both cable and broadband will be crucial to meeting that goal.

Second, Comcast’s broader strategy has increasingly emphasized “connectivity” as a key growth lever. As the company looks to differentiate itself in an increasingly crowded market, its ability to deliver reliable, high‑speed internet will be essential. By placing a seasoned internal leader at the head of this division, Comcast signals its commitment to investing in the next generation of infrastructure.

Broader context: competition and growth

Comcast’s connectivity push is part of a broader industry trend. AT&T and Verizon have both heavily invested in fiber‑optic networks, and the competitive pressure has forced many cable companies to accelerate their own infrastructure upgrades. Comcast’s recent announcement of a 500,000‑home fiber expansion plan in 2024, announced earlier this year, illustrates the company’s aggressive approach to staying ahead.

The connectivity division also plays a critical role in Comcast’s “Connectivity‑First” strategy, which positions the company as a one‑stop shop for internet, television, and cloud services. This integrated approach is designed to increase customer lifetime value and create new revenue streams from enterprise services. With Croney at the helm, the company aims to accelerate the rollout of its “Comcast Connect” platform, which will bundle high‑speed internet with cloud storage and managed services for small and medium businesses.

Looking ahead

As Croney takes on the new role, the company is set to launch a series of initiatives aimed at improving network reliability, expanding gigabit service, and building out data‑center capabilities. In a statement, Comcast’s Chief Executive Officer, Steve McNaughton, praised Croney’s track record and expressed confidence that the new leadership team would continue to drive innovation and growth.

The transition also comes at a time when Comcast is preparing for its upcoming investor relations event, where analysts will be looking closely at the company’s connectivity metrics and growth prospects. With a seasoned leader at the helm, the company hopes to signal stability and continued momentum in a highly competitive market.

In short, the promotion of Steve Croney to connectivity chief signals Comcast’s intensified focus on building out its high‑speed internet network, expanding its broadband portfolio, and solidifying its position as a leading integrated service provider. As the company moves forward, the connectivity division will be under close scrutiny for its ability to deliver on the ambitious expansion plans and to stay ahead of rivals in the race for the next‑generation network.