Cox Communications exec Steve Rizley to retire

Cox Communications executive Steve Rizley, a former chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, announced Wednesday that he will retire by the end of the year.

Rizley, a Phoenix-based senior vice president and general manager for Cox, was instrumental in building long-time relationships in the business and non-profit community. He played a major role in bringing the highly sought after one gigabit Internet service to Phoenix.

The company said it plans to announce Rizley's replacement in the coming weeks.

Rizley, who spent 34 years working in Phoenix for the Georgia-based company, was an advocate for organizations such as the American Red Cross, Greater Phoenix Leadership, Arizona Historical Advisory Commission, and Cox Charities. He served as chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and campaign cabinet co-chair for Banner/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

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"It's never easy to say good-bye to a friend and colleague, especially one that has been a part of the Cox Family and the cable industry for more than 30 years," said Paul Cronin, senior vice president of operations for the company. "As general manager, Steve worked tirelessly on his employees' behalf each day, and made sure Arizona was at the forefront of new product launches for our customers, including bringing the company's first gigabit residential product offering to the Valley and the latest Internet speed increases to customers statewide."

Todd Sanders, president and chief executive officer Greater Phoenix Chamber, said "Steve's well-deserved reputation was built on much more than his professional excellence serving Cox's Southwest Region. During his time as Chairman of our Board of Directors, he left his mark on our Chamber and the business community with strong, visionary servant leadership that has helped shape our organization and our state. We are all indebted to Steve for his dedication and service, and I, personally, am proud to call him my friend."

Reporter can be reached at angelique.soenarie@arizonarepublic.com