Charter streamlines organization under new operations chief

Charter Communications is reorganizing its operating structure into five geographically clustered divisions serving an average of 250,000 customers that will report to newly appointed Executive Vice President of Operations, Margaret Bellville. The reorganization will result in significant workforce reductions that will be determined by year-end, the company said. Potential dollar savings also will be announced along with fourth quarter results in February 2003.

Charter, which is part of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s media business, has grown to be the nation’s third largest multiple systems operator [MSO] via 14 acquisitions over the last three years. At the same time, the company said it has upgraded “about 87%” of its plant.

“It’s necessary now to identify and capitalize on efficiencies in our operating organization,” said Carl Vogel, the company’s CEO, said in a statement. “This flattened organization will eliminate management layers and reduce redundancy.--Jim Barthold, senior editor