Orbitel names new president

John Schurz has been named president and general manager of Orbitel Communications and Western Broadband. He succeeds Keith Kirkman, who is leaving the Arizona cable operations at the end of March.

The appointment was made by parent company Schurz Communications, a privately-owned nationwide communications company tracing its roots to 1872, with business segments in radio, television, newspaper publishing, digital media, shoppers, and commercial printing.

Schurz said the unprecedented growth and expansion of Orbitel and Western Broadband these last few years has produced a strong organization.

“The core values and strengths of Schurz-owned companies mirror those of the communities we serve,” he said. “We are committed to excellence in everything we do. There are many exciting things planned for 2013, and I look forward to working with all the great people here.”

Kirkman added: “John has the vision and expertise to lead Orbitel and Western Broadband. When you combine that with the hands-on family ownership and management, it is a real benefit to Orbitel and Western Broadband, our employees and the communities we serve.” 

Schurz is a fifth-generation member of the Schurz family, and most recently was president/general manager of the Schurz owned WASK radio group in Indiana. He graduated from Denison University in Ohio, and holds an MBA from Purdue. He and his wife, Rachel, have three young children.