Faulkner Takes Helm of Cox’s Home Security/Automation Unit

Cox Communications has promoted Kristine Faulkner to vice president and general manager of the operator’s Home Security and Smart Home division.

Faulkner, a 13-year Cox vet who played a key role in growing the operator's business services division, will now oversee the operations of a new division that is also tasked with stoking revenue growth. She most recently was VP of new growth and development, helping the operator move new ideas from the trial to launch phases.

Cox has deployed its home security/smart home service in systems serving Arizona, California, Connecticut, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia. Faulkner will lead the unit as it deploys the service to more markets. Cox has not announced when it intends to complete the rollout.

"The majority of people consider home and family their most precious assets," Faulkner said, in a statement. "There is tremendous opportunity to utilize Cox's existing broadband technology to help connect these customers to what they value most."

Cox’s Home Security product is based on the iControl platform, and features 24/7 monitoring, remote access, and options to control home functions such as lighting and temperature.

Cox, like other cable operators, are getting into a fragmented  home security market led by ADT that is also being targeted by other service providers, including Verizon Communications, AT&T, DirecTV, and Dish Network.

During her time with Cox Business, the unit eclipsed $1 billion in annual revenues in 2010. It pulled in $1.4 billion in revenues in 2012, and is looking to eclipse the $2 billion mark by 2016.