Charter names interim CFO as Jessica Fischer exits
Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) announced a planned Chief Financial Officer transition.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) announced a planned Chief Financial Officer transition. Jessica M. Fischer has resigned as CFO to pursue another opportunity and is expected to remain in the role through October 15, 2026, assisting with the transition and the closing of the quarter ending September 30, 2026. The company states her decision was not due to any disagreement regarding operations, policies, practices, or financial reporting, and it has not changed its previously provided financial outlook or financial policy.
The Board appointed Kevin D. Howard, age 57 and currently Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, as Interim CFO and as principal financial and accounting officer under the Exchange Act, effective October 15, 2026, until a successor is appointed. Howard has been with Charter since 2002 and previously served as interim CFO in 2010. Charter issued a press release on August 31, 2026, describing the transition.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- CFO resignation: Jessica M. Fischer will step down as Chief Financial Officer effective October 15, 2026, creating a near-term leadership transition at the top of Charter’s finance organization, though the company states its financial outlook and financial policy are unchanged.
Filing Explained
The board’s August 30 appointment takes effect October 15, 2026: Kevin Howard will serve not only as interim CFO but also as Charter’s principal financial and principal accounting officer under the Exchange Act until a successor is appointed.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 5.02, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers
Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Effective date of CFO transition: October 15, 2026
Age of Interim CFO: 57 years
Year Kevin Howard joined Charter: 2002
+3 more
6 metrics
Effective date of CFO transition
October 15, 2026
Date through which Jessica M. Fischer is expected to continue as CFO and when Kevin D. Howard becomes Interim CFO
Age of Interim CFO
57 years
Age of Kevin D. Howard at the time of his appointment as Interim CFO
Year Kevin Howard joined Charter
2002
Year Kevin D. Howard joined Charter as Director of Financial Reporting
Prior interim CFO service period
August 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010
Previous period during which Kevin D. Howard served as Charter’s interim CFO
Homes and businesses served
More than 70 million
Number of homes and small to large businesses Charter states its services are available to across 45 states
States served
45 states
Geographic footprint where Charter’s Spectrum-branded services are available
Key Terms
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, Emerging growth company, certified public accountant, +2 more
6 terms
principal financial officer regulatory
"appointed Kevin D. Howard as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and as both principal financial officer"
The principal financial officer is the senior executive who runs a company's financial operations: preparing and certifying financial reports, managing accounting controls, budgets and cash flow, and advising on financial strategy. Investors care about this role because its competence affects how trustworthy the company’s numbers are, how well it manages risk and capital needs, and the credibility of forecasts—like the chief navigator steering a firm's financial course.
principal accounting officer regulatory
"and as both principal financial officer and principal accounting officer of the Company"
The Principal Accounting Officer is the person responsible for making sure a company's financial records are accurate and follow the rules. They play a key role in preparing financial reports that show how well the company is doing. This helps investors, managers, and regulators trust the company's financial information.
Emerging growth company regulatory
"or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ... Emerging growth company"
An emerging growth company is a recently public or smaller public firm that qualifies for temporary, lighter regulatory and disclosure rules to reduce the cost and effort of being public. For investors, it means the company may provide less historical financial detail and face fewer reporting requirements than larger firms, so it can grow more quickly but also carries higher uncertainty—like buying a promising early-stage product with fewer user reviews.
certified public accountant financial
"He is a certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant"
A certified public accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional who has passed rigorous exams and met education and experience requirements to prepare, review, and officially certify financial statements and tax filings. For investors, a CPA's involvement is like a neutral referee confirming that a company's reported numbers are accurate and follow accounting rules, which improves trust in financial reports and lowers the risk of unexpected errors or misleading information.
certified managerial accountant financial
"He is a certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant"
Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network technical
"Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees"
FAQ
What executive change did Charter Communications (CHTR) announce?
Charter Communications announced that Jessica M. Fischer has resigned as Chief Financial Officer. She is expected to continue serving as CFO through October 15, 2026, supporting the transition and quarter-end closing, and the company has begun a search for a new permanent CFO.
When will Jessica Fischer leave the CFO role at Charter Communications (CHTR)?
Jessica Fischer is expected to serve as Charter’s Chief Financial Officer through October 15, 2026. Until that effective date, she will assist with transitioning her responsibilities, including through the closing process for the quarterly period ending September 30, 2026.
Who will serve as interim CFO of Charter Communications (CHTR)?
Kevin D. Howard, age 57, currently Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, has been appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer effective October 15, 2026. He will also serve as principal financial officer and principal accounting officer under the Exchange Act until a successor is appointed.
Does the CFO transition change Charter Communications’ (CHTR) financial outlook or policy?
Charter states that it has not changed any of its previously provided financial outlook or financial policy in connection with the announced Chief Financial Officer transition.
What is Kevin Howard’s background at Charter Communications (CHTR)?
Kevin Howard joined Charter in 2002, became Chief Accounting Officer and Controller in 2006, and previously served as interim CFO from August 1, 2010, through October 31, 2010. He is a certified public accountant and certified managerial accountant.
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 28, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Commission File Number)
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
|
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(203 ) 905-7801
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions:
|
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
|
|
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
|
|
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
|
|
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
|
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
Title of each class
|
Trading Symbol(s)
|
Name of each exchange on which registered
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this
chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
| ITEM 5.02. |
DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.
|
Departure of Chief Financial Officer
On August 28, 2026, Jessica M. Fischer, the current Chief Financial Officer of Charter Communications, Inc. (the “Company”), notified the Company that she
has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company to pursue another opportunity. Ms. Fischer is expected to continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer through October 15, 2026 (the “Effective Date”) and, prior to the Effective
Date, will assist with the transition of her responsibilities through the closing process for the Company’s quarterly period ending September 30, 2026. Ms. Fischer’s decision to resign was not the result of any disagreement with the Company, the
Company’s management or any member of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”), or on any matter relating to the Company’s operations, policies, practices, or financial reporting. The Company has not changed any of its previously provided
financial outlook or financial policy. The Company has begun a search process for its next Chief Financial Officer.
Appointment of Interim Chief Financial Officer
On August 30, 2026, the Board appointed Kevin D. Howard as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer and as both principal financial officer and
principal accounting officer of the Company for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), effective as of the Effective Date and until a successor may be appointed.
Mr. Howard, 57, serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller at Charter. He joined Charter in 2002 as Director of Financial
Reporting and was promoted to Chief Accounting Officer and Controller in 2006. He also served as Interim Chief Financial Officer from August 1, 2010, through October 31, 2010. Mr. Howard joined Charter from Arthur Andersen LLP, where he served as
an auditor in the audit division for nearly a decade. He is a certified public accountant and a certified managerial accountant. He received a B.S. in finance and economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Howard and any other persons pursuant to which Mr. Howard was appointed as Interim Chief Financial
Officer of the Company.
| ITEM 7.01. |
REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE.
|
On August 31, 2026,
Charter issued a press release announcing the resignation of Ms. Fischer and the appointment of Mr. Howard, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
The information provided under Item 7.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished and is not deemed to be “filed” with
the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section and is not incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, CCO Holdings, LLC or CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference to this Current Report on Form 8-K in such a filing.
| ITEM 9.01. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
|
(d) Exhibits
|
Exhibit
|
Description
|
|
|
99.1
|
Press Release, dated August 31, 2026.
|
|
|
104
|
The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K, formatted in Inline XBRL.
|
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, each of Charter Communications, Inc., CCO Holdings, LLC and CCO Holdings
Capital Corp. has duly caused this Current Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
|
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
|
||
|
Registrant
|
||
|
By:
|
/s/ Jamal Haughton
|
|
| Jamal Haughton | ||
|
Date: August 31, 2026
|
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
|
|
|
CCO HOLDINGS, LLC
|
||
|
Registrant
|
||
|
By:
|
/s/ Jamal Haughton
|
|
| Jamal Haughton | ||
|
Date: August 31, 2026
|
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
|
|
|
CCO HOLDINGS CAPITAL CORP.
|
||
|
Registrant
|
||
|
By:
|
/s/ Jamal Haughton
|
|
| Jamal Haughton | ||
|
Date: August 31, 2026
|
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
|
|
Exhibit 99.1
CHARTER ANNOUNCES CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TRANSITION
Stamford, CT. – Aug. 31, 2026 – Charter Communications (NASDAQ: CHTR) today announced that Jessica Fischer will
step down from her current position as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer on October 15, to relocate for another professional opportunity. The Company will begin a comprehensive search for her
replacement immediately.
Charter also named Kevin Howard, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer & Controller, to the position of interim Chief Financial Officer
effective October 15. Mr. Howard will continue to work closely with Ms. Fischer to support ongoing financial operations and ensure a seamless leadership transition.
“I first met Jessica more than 15 years ago and actively recruited her to join our team at Charter,” said Chris Winfrey, President & CEO, Charter Communications.
“Since joining Charter nearly 10 years ago, and becoming our CFO in 2021, she has been a key part of our executive team. I am very proud of our work together and grateful for her many contributions in making Spectrum the leading broadband and video
company in the country.”
“It has been a privilege to be part of Charter’s growth over the past decade,” said Ms. Fischer. “I have learned so much from Chris and this team and am grateful for the
opportunity and trust they placed in me to lead Charter’s financial operation.”
Mr. Howard brings over two decades of financial leadership to his role as Charter’s Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer & Controller, overseeing
accounting, tax, financial reporting, and ERP operations. He has led the financial integration of a number of Charter’s major transactions, including the acquisitions of Bresnan, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks and Cox Communications. He
previously served as Charter’s interim CFO in 2010.
Charter has not changed any of its previously provided financial outlook or financial policy.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) is the leading broadband and video company in the nation and the fastest growing mobile provider in its
footprint, with services available to more than 70 million homes and small to large businesses across 45 states through its Spectrum brand. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a
converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice
products.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
Media Contact:
Cameron Blanchard, cameron.blanchard@spectrum.com
Investor Relations:
Stefan Anninger, stefan.annigner@charter.com