Cox President and CEO Patrick Esser to Step Down At Year’s End

Patrick Esser, the President and CEO of Cox Communications, announced his impending retirement from the company, effective December 31, 2021. Esser – who has been with Cox for 15 years – will be succeeded by EVP and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Mark Greatrex.

It was noted that, under Esser’s tenure, Cox more-than-doubled its business, becoming the “largest private telecom company in America” with a presence in nearly seven million homes and businesses in 18 states. Esser also led investments and acquisitions in areas such as telecommunications infrastructure, home health logistics and cloud-based services. Cox has also, under his leadership, continually ranked in J.D. Power and Associates’ customer satisfaction surveys, earning 36 honors across residential and business product categories.

The soon-to-be former executive also holds board and leadership roles with a number of organizations, including chairing C-SPAN; serving as a Director with CableLabs, the National Cable & Telecommunications group and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; and filling an advisory role for the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications.

“We are extremely thankful to Pat Esser for his leadership at Cox Communications,” said Alex Taylor, who is the President and CEO of Cox Communications’ parent company Cox Enterprises. “He has grown the business consistently over the years. Even more meaningfully he has done it in the right way — by treating people well and making a positive impact in our communities. Pat is an extraordinary leader.”

Geatrex, meanwhile, has been with Cox since 2011, overseeing residential sales and marketing while also developing the Cox brand to highlight the power of its technology, deepen its human connections and bring-to-market technology such as Gigablast, Contour TV and Panoramic Wi-Fi.

Geatrex has also played an active role in Cox’s commitments to environmental sustainability and governance, leading Cox’s Environmental Council that supports conservation efforts. He is also the founding executive sponsor of Cox’s Young Professionals employee resource group.

Prior to joining Cox, Greatrex served as an executive with Unilver, AOL and The Coca-Cola Company.

The outgoing Chief noted his belief that “Cox Communications is in exceptionally good hands. Mark is a strong and visionary leader who will sustain and amplify the momentum he’s helped to achieve in the industry. His energy, creativity and sharp strategic sensibilities will drive continued innovation, excellence and passion for our customers.”

“I am honored to be leading this very special company with a celebrated history, and an exciting future full of optimism and great momentum,” said Greatrex. “We have a winning strategy and I look forward to amplifying the incredible values of the Cox family and the mission to improve the lives of the next generation.”