Lightedge, a leading provider of data center and hybrid infrastructure solutions, today announced a planned CEO succession. After over two decades at the helm, Jim Masterson will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer effective December 31, 2024. Rob Carter, the current Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Jim.
Jim has served as CEO of Lightedge for 21 years having created the original vision for the company. He led the transformation of Lightedge as a regional internet provider into an industry leader in hybrid infrastructure with 20 data centers across the U.S. and internationally. Under his guidance, Lightedge built the first greenfield colocation data center in Iowa and deployed the first private enterprise cloud platform in the central United States.
Today, Lightedge has become a trusted provider of secure and scalable hybrid infrastructure solutions, supporting the full spectrum of colocation, private cloud, and public cloud environments.
Rob, who is a self-described mentee of Jim’s for the past 15 years, brings extensive operational expertise and leadership to the CEO role. Since joining Lightedge as COO, Rob has been instrumental in driving the company’s operational excellence and positioning it for continued growth. His vision and strategic direction will guide Lightedge into its next phase, building on the company’s strong foundation and hybrid mindset, and expanding its global footprint.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished over the past two decades,” said Jim. “This journey has been a labor of love for me. Handing the reins to a person of high character, who I trust to carry on Lightedge’s culture, was incredibly important to me.”
“This transition comes at a time of great opportunity for Lightedge, and I’m confident that Rob is the right leader to take the company forward. His commitment to operational excellence and our clients’ success will continue to define the company’s trajectory.”
Upon Rob’s ascension to CEO, Jim will continue to serve in an advisory role to the company and as a member of Lighedge’s Board of Directors to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition.
Rob expanded, “I am honored to succeed Jim as CEO of Lightedge. He has been a mentor and a friend, and his legacy of client-centric innovation will remain central to our mission and culture. I look forward to leading the company as we embark on an exciting future, where we will continue to deliver cutting-edge hybrid infrastructure solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
“We are proud to partner with Rob and Jim in the planning of the succession for Lightedge’s most senior leader. Rob’s demonstrated track record in driving growth, profitability and client success is well suited for Lightedge’s continued growth as a leader in the global data center and hybrid infrastructure market,” said Mark Prybutok, Managing Director of GI Partners and Co-Head of GI Data Infrastructure. “We thank Jim for his leadership and vision in building the business to what it is today and look forward to continued collaboration with him as an advisor and board member.”
This leadership change comes at a time when Lightedge is expanding its global presence and reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional hybrid infrastructure solutions.
