Cable One (NYSE:CABO) has named James Holanda as its next Chief Executive Officer, ending a high-stakes search for a leader to navigate the provider through a period of intensifying competition and shifting subscriber habits.
Holanda, who has led Astound Broadband for the past 15 years, is expected to officially take the helm no later than March 31, 2026.
He succeeds Julia M. Laulis, who retired as Chair, President, and CEO after a 26-year tenure that saw the company’s transformation from a traditional cable firm into a broadband-first operator.
The appointment brings a seasoned operator to the Phoenix-based company, which provides services under the Sparklight and Clearwave brands.
Holanda’s 35-year career includes foundational stints at Comcast and Charter Communications, as well as executive leadership roles at Choice Cable TV of Puerto Rico and Patriot Media.
At Astound, he was credited with scaling the business into a significant regional player through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
As part of the leadership reshuffle, Cable One has elected Mary E. Meduski to serve as Independent Chair of the Board, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Meduski, a board member since 2019 and current President and CFO of TierPoint, brings extensive telecommunications finance experience to the role.
Until Holanda's arrival, Cable One’s current Chief Financial Officer, Todd M. Koetje, will serve as Interim CEO.