UTStarcom (UTSI) announced that Mike Sophie has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer at the company. In his new role, Sophie will be responsible for overseeing UTStarcom's worldwide operations including its restructuring initiatives announced on May 5, 2005.

Sophie will continue as acting chief financial officer of UTStarcom while the company conducts a search for his replacement.

Sophie joined the company as chief financial officer and vice president of finance in August 1999. Prior to joining UTStarcom, he held executive positions at P-Com, Inc. and Loral Fairchild Corporation and various positions in finance and accounting at Avantek, Inc., Signetics Corporation, and Fairchild Semiconductor. Sophie holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Santa Clara and a bachelor of science in business administration from California State University, Chico.