8x8 has appointed Kevin Kraus as its new permanent Chief Financial Officer.
Kraus had served as 8x8's interim CFO since November, replacing Samuel Wilson in the role after Wilson was promoted to interim CEO following the departure of Dave Sipes. Before that position, Kraus was 8x8's Senior Vice President of Finance under Wilson, responsible for financial planning, analysis, and procurement functions.
Kraus commented on his promotion:
I'm incredibly excited to continue leading the finance and accounting organization for 8x8 as Chief Financial Officer. We have a clear vision and a strong commitment to innovation and customer success. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth and helping it achieve its strategic goals."
Kraus is credited as bringing extensive financial expertise and an impressive track record in strategic growth to CFO, illustrating a pedigree in building successful and sustainable businesses. Kraus will oversee 8x8's global finance and accounting organizations.
Kraus joined 8x8 in 2019 but was formerly Vice President of Finance for Imperva, a cybersecurity software company, and Senior Director of Finance for Gigamon, a network visibility and traffic monitoring technology business. Kraus's remit at these businesses encompassed financial planning and analysis, procurement, facilities management, SEC reporting and investor relations, sales compensation operations, and M&A integration.
"Kevin's promotion to the CFO role is well deserved, and his experience driving both operational efficiency and profitable growth makes him a perfect fit for the role," Wilson added. "His strategic insight, coupled with his deep financial acumen, will be invaluable as we continue to evolve our business."
As with 8x8's announcement confirming Wilson as its new CEO last week, the vendor has stated its ambition to expand its integrated Contact Center and XCaaS platform under Wilson and Kraus's stewardship. Among its other projects are investments in "building its ecosystem of innovative technology and service partners to expand the portfolio of AI/ML solutions available on the XCaaS platform".
Samuel Wilson Appointed Permanent CEO Last Week
Kraus's appointment swiftly followed Wilson's own confirmation as CEO, with Kraus's predecessor as permanent CFO having served as interim CEO since November.
Wilson stepped up to the role after 8×8 terminated the contract of then-CEO Dave Sipes with immediate effect. He performed the CEO duties while 8x8 progressed through a candidate search following Sipes’ departure. Wilson was also appointed to 8×8’s Board of Directors.
"I am honoured and thrilled to accept the role of CEO at 8×8," Wilson said last week. "We have an exceptional team, a remarkable product portfolio, and a relentless focus on innovation, mixed with a commitment to exceptional customer service. I am excited about the opportunity to lead 8×8 into its next chapter, driving growth and delivering unparalleled value to our customers around the world."
