Motricity exec takes over Sprint Nextel network operations

The turbulence continued for Motricity Inc. as COO Steve Elfman said he will move to Sprint Nextel Corp.
Elfman had overseen InfoSpace Inc.’s mobile business unit and was named COO in the wake of Motricity’s acquisition of the Seattle-area company. He will assume the new position of president of network operations and wholesale at Sprint Nextel beginning May 4.
“We certainly don’t like losing (Elfman), but he leaves us in a very strong position,” said Motricity CEO Ryan Wuerch, who has been heavily criticized as the company struggles with job cuts and relocating to InfoSpace’s turf. “He’s built a great foundation for the business and we have great momentum moving forward. Steve’s entire leadership team remains intact and will continue to lead our business.”
Elfman served as executive VP of operations at Terabeam Wireless before joining Motricity; his resume also includes a stint as senior VP and CIO at AT&T Wireless. He will now report to new Sprint Nextel CEO Dan Hesse, who worked with Elfman at Terabeam.