Oceus Networks names new CEO

Oceus Networks promotes its president and chief operating officer to CEO of the company as its long-time leader departs.

Randy Fuerst has been promoted to CEO of Oceus Networks, replacing Douglas Smith, who led the company through its spin-off from Ericsson at the end of 2010.

Smith was the leader of Ericsson Federal when the Swedish company divested the business with a sale to Tailwind Capital, a private equity firm.

Oceus declined to comment on Smith’s departure.

Fuerst joined the company in December 2011 as chief operating officer. He came to the company from CACI International where he also was COO. In March 2013, Fuerst added the title of president.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as CEO of Oceus Networks and lead the outstanding Oceus personnel who are so dedicated to our company and the mission of the customers we serve,” Fuerst said in a statement.

Oceus has been out front in introducing 4G LTE commercial broadband technology to the defense and public safety market, and Fuerst said the company will soon be announcing its first law enforcement contract to support a state government integrating the technology into its mission in coordination with the federally led First Responder Network Authority.

In addition to his time at CACI, Fuerst also has been active in industry groups including the Industry Advisory Council and the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. He’s served on the board of the Professional Services Council and was a FCW Fed 100 winner in 2014. FCW is a sister publication to Washington Technology.