BigChanges at BigBand

Digital video specialist BigBand Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: BBND) has announced an executive shakeup that includes the resignation of its chief operating officer and its head of worldwide sales.

But one of the biggest moves involves the bandleader. Amir Bassan-Eskenazi is stepping down as chairman of the board, but will continue on as CEO and become a regular board member. (See BigBand Changes Its Exec Tune.)

Filling the vacuum is Mike Pohl, who was appointed non-executive chairman of the board. Pohl, late of nCUBE Corp. and C-COR Corp. (now part of Arris Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRS)), will continue to serve as CEO of Jinni Media Ltd. , a startup that's developed a video recommendation engine based on consumer moods and tastes. Pohl was appointed to the BigBand board in April of 2009. (See Jinni Puts Cable Guys in the Mood , Jinni Locks In Its A Round , and Pohl, Braun Join BigBand Board.)

BigBand said the moves were necessary to ensure it's "even more agile in the execution of its strategy for sustained growth in digital video networking."

The decisions also suggest that Bassan-Eskenazi will be getting more involved in the day-to-day operations of BigBand, a company that specializes in switched digital video and cable IPTV technologies.

"Having an independent chairman elevates our governance structure to 'best practices,' which is critical in today's business environment," Bassan-Eskenazi said in a statement.

Other changes at BigBand involve more than a shift of duties. Company COO David Heard and senior VP of worldwide sales Sean Rooney have resigned. Heard will stay as a consultant through June 30, while Rooney will stay through April 1.

BigBand, meanwhile, has promoted Ray Fitzgerald to VP of worldwide cable sales. Wayne Gaudette will remain as VP of telco sales. Both report to Bassan-Eskenazi.

The announced moves come one month after BigBand reported fourth-quarter revenues of $34.4 million, down from $54.1 million a year earlier, and a GAAP net loss of $1.2 million, compared to year-ago net income of $10.4 million. (See BigBand Plays Q4.)

— Jeff Baumgartner, Site Editor, Light Reading Cable