Ruckus Networks chief commercial officer Ian Whiting has been named CEO of the recent Arris acquisition, replacing Dan Rabinovitsj, who is leaving to take an unspecified job at another technology company.
The move comes just over six months after Arris closed on its $800 million purchase of Ruckus, keeping Rabinovitzj in charge and Ruckus’ staff of 1,700 intact.
Like Rabinovitzj, Whiting will report to Arris CEO Bruce McClelland.
“Dan is one of the smartest guys I have ever worked with, as well as an extremely passionate, humorous and caring person who has worked tirelessly to ensure all of our partners, customers and employees were supported through a very turbulent period last year,” Whiting said in a company blog post announcing the move today.
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“Under Dan's leadership, Ruckus has emerged stronger and better equipped to compete in the marketplace, and it's showing in our results and market share,” Whiting added. “Dan and I have partnered closely over the last three years on strategy and business objectives and share the same views on all the important topics (although our taste in music and sports vary somewhat!)”
Whiting will officially take over on July 1.
After numerous delays late last year, Broadcom finally completed its yearlong $5.5 billion quest to buy Brocade Systems in late November, clearing the way for Arris to purchase Brocade’s Ruckus Wireless assets in a related purchase.
Ruckus technology is integral to Arris’ plans to enter the wireless business. In July of last year, for example, Arris announced that Ruckus components are included in the Carrier-Class Service Provider Wi-Fi Solution. Currently deployed by Mediacom, it's the backbone of the MSO’s new Wi-Fi network.
Analysts who have been lamenting the decline of Arris’ pay TV set-top business are bullish regarding the company’s Ruckus purchase.
“We believe Ruckus can be a transformational acquisition that will help return Arris to organic growth despite the obvious challenges for set-top boxes,” said BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk.