ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications announced today that Rob Smallwood has joined the company's technology organization as vice president of enterprise development. In this role, Rob will provide strategic direction for applications and systems development and maintenance of current and future technologies used to support Cox services and operations. He will also identify new technologies and tools to support and improve operations and data delivery across the enterprise.

"Rob has a history of successfully implementing strategic business and technology programs based on a comprehensive understanding of industry and technology trends and has the ability to communicate complex issues to stakeholders at all levels of the company," said Kevin Hart, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Cox Communications. "The efficiency of internal operational tools directly impacts our ability to serve customers; Rob will work to optimize, acquire and build these capabilities at all levels."

Immediately prior to joining Cox, Smallwood led Microsoft's premier services for the telecommunications and media sector. In this role, he supported the company's North American market and acted as strategy leader for cloud based application development, outsourcing and hosting solutions, including premier support for Microsoft IPTV.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Rob spent three years in senior technology leadership positions at Level 3 Communications, managing a large IT and enterprise PMO organization focused on post-merger system integration following multiple acquisitions. He also was a leader in the operations support systems practice at Ernst & Young Management Consulting/Capgemini, where he worked on projects with a variety of customers including a significant number of the world's telecommunication software vendors and Service Providers.

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Rob served as an Air Force officer in several roles supporting the management of global development programs that transitioned technology from research and development environments. His final role in the Air Force was chief of corporate information systems for the organization supporting all human-machine program development. He also holds a master's degree in computer information systems from St. Mary's University.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves more than 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for six years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications