Leading communications company Avaya, recently announced that they have decided to promote their Chief Operating Officer, Jim Chirico to Chief Executive Officer, as of October this year. The current CEO and president for Avaya, Kevin Kennedy, will be retiring as CEO, though he’s agreed that he will continue to offer advice to the company, without a position on the board.
Mr. Chirico was thrilled to talk about his new role in the company, stating that he was happy to have the opportunity to lead Avaya forward during a significant point of growth for the brand. As the company continues to strive from a smooth journey away from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, there’s no doubt a hope that Mr. Chirico will be able to guide the brand towards success.
Farewell Kevin Kennedy
It’s fair to suggest that Avaya has seen some significant growth and development in the hands of Kevin Kennedy. Under Kennedy’s watch, the company has made a significant move forward into the world of software and services. At the same time, Avaya’s net promoter score has more than doubled under Kennedy’s lead. Additionally, in the second quarter of this year, the software and services aspect of Avaya’s business accounted for more than 79% of Avaya’s revenue – something that Kennedy played a key part in establishing.
Thanks to Kevin Kennedy, Avaya is currently in a good position to emerge from Chapter 11 with a positive stride. According to Mr. Kennedy, the chance to work as a CEO for Avaya is something that he’ll always remember. He noted that it was an honor to serve the brand and work alongside a range of committed customers, partners, and employees. As the industry has changed in recent years, Avaya has positively moved forward towards a brighter, bolder position in communications.
Kennedy noted that he feels confident in the new CEO’s ability to lead Avaya effectively forward into a new future, developing upon the company’s passion for innovation, and need to capture an even bigger market share.
Welcoming the New CEO
Importantly, Mr. Chirico already has a great deal of experience working within Avaya. He originally joined the business back in 2008 and has held various roles throughout the company during his time there. As a global sales leader and COO, he was responsible for sales operations, global sales, and HR. During his time in those key positions, Chirico has helped Avaya to develop into the growing company it is today, with bigger, better results than ever before.
Before his time in Avaya, Mr. Chirico was building an extensive background of experience in telecoms, as Executive Vice President in Seagate Technology, and an executive member of IBM. It seems likely that Chirico will be able to offer substantial insight and knowledge to his new role in Avaya.
The story so far:
- Avaya plans to exit Chapter 11 in Autumn 2017
- Avaya Files a Plan with Bankruptcy Court
- Avaya Slammed for Bankruptcy Bonus Plans
- Avaya Update: After Chapter 11 What will Happen to Avaya in the UK?
- Avaya Seeks $3.7 Million for Executive Bonuses During Bankruptcy
- Avaya Networking Sell Off Approved By Bankruptcy Court
- Avaya Could Emerge From Bankruptcy By Summer
- Could Avaya’s Debt be Too Much to Handle?
- Avaya enters Chapter 11 – a very sad day in Comms
