TIA Names New CEO: Tech & Telecom Veteran Wes Johnston

Hiring is Part of Strategic Initiative to Align Organization with Industry Advancements

Arlington, VA (June 5, 2017) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech networks, today announced that Wes Johnston has been named Chief Executive Officer. Johnston comes to TIA with more than 25 years of experience leading and transforming technology and telecom businesses. Most recently, he was the Managing Director for Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) at The Gores Group, a global private equity firm.

“I was drawn to TIA because its members play critical roles in supplying the innovative equipment and services that enable network connectivity,” Johnston said. “The tremendous footprint of these members makes this an exciting opportunity, as TIA adapts to a shifting policy landscape and rapid technological changes. There couldn’t be a more important time for TIA to be aligned with its member needs and focused on accelerating business opportunities and innovation.”

The selection of Johnston is part of a broader strategic initiative by TIA to invest in, and stay ahead of, the changing needs of members and rapid industry advancements. In addition to his hiring, TIA recently enhanced its leadership team, adding four senior executives with deep communications industry, government, and association experience.

David Heard, chairman of the TIA Board of Directors commented, “Wes has a tremendous track record of driving change, being customer-focused and making an impact in the tech and telecom industries. He’s a perfect fit for TIA’s mission to help companies navigate through technology transformation, shifting policy environments and a dynamic innovation environment, which are causing major changes to our member companies’ business models and supply chains.”

Mr. Johnston has held board and senior executive positions with large global technology firms, as well as with dynamic start-ups. While with Gores, he was a board director with Alpheus Telecommunications, Elo Touch Systems, Imagine Communications and the Tweddle Group. Prior to his work with the Gores Group, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with technology integrator Dimension Data, a $6B information and communication technology (ICT) firm where he led sales, marketing, solutions and service delivery in North and South America.

Johnston will join with other industry executives at TIA’s Connectivity Jam, June 5-7 in Dallas. The event is a gathering of senior leaders, who will tackle the challenges of connectivity related to the Internet of Things (IoT), the future of television, network infrastructure and investment, security, smart cities and more. The priorities and recommendations shaped by these leaders will be captured in a communications industry outcomes report produced by TIA with partner analyst firm IDC.