Clearwire Shakes Up Executive Ranks, Names Chairman as Interim CEO

Still facing an uncertain future, wireless network provider Clearwire announced a broad revamp of its executive suite on Thursday, replacing CEO Bill Morrow and several other executives.

Morrow, who is leaving for “personal reasons,” will be replaced on an interim bases by company board Chairman John Stanton, former CEO of VoiceStream Wireless. Morrow (pictured here) will serve as an advisor during the transition.

Also leaving the WiMax service provider are former Microsoft executive Mike Sievert, one Microsoft’s chief commercial officer, and CIO Kevin Hart. Both are leaving the company “to pursue other opportunities.”

At the same time, Clearwire said it is promoting CFO Erik Prusch to the newly created chief operating officer spot. Treasurer Hope Cochran will assume Prusch’s former role as chief financial officer.

Clearwire said that the shake-up won’t affect its progress in resolving a dispute with Sprint over wholesale pricing.

“Clearwire believes that an agreement with Sprint is imminent,” it said in a statement.

However, the company’s longer-term picture remains unclear. The company laid off workers in November as auditors questioned the its ability to operate as a going concern.

Currently Clearwire sells its WiMax service directly to consumers and on a wholesale basis to Sprint, which owns a significant stake in the company.