Q&A with Sonus' New President and CEO
In just over 10 years IP-Voice equipment provider, Sonus Networks has grown from an idea to the leader in worldwide carrier-grade IP-Voice equipment according to industry analysts. Last year, the industry leader achieved record revenues of over $300 million, growing at a compounded rate of 36% over the last 3 years.
As the Company enters its’ second decade, Hassan Ahmed has taken the decision to scale up the management team at Sonus and recruited a well known industry veteran, Dr. Richard Nottenburg, to join the Company as its’ next President and CEO.
Q) Hassan, why is now the right time to add the next President and CEO?
Hassan Ahmed: Sonus has achieved a lot during the last ten years. Looking ahead, there is much more opportunity for our Company on the horizon. We are just beginning to penetrate the world’s largest operators. To broaden our geographic and customer reach, we need to add more horsepower to the Sonus team. I’ve known Rich for many years and am confident he brings the relationships and the dedication necessary for the next ten years.
Q) Rich, what drew you to Sonus?
Rich Nottenburg: The focus for the past four or five years has been broadband infrastructure. During this time carriers have spent a lot of money readying their networks for IP communications. Carriers are now ready to put those investments to work. Operators are looking for their vendors to be innovative again and Sonus is the company to do that. Sonus is renowned in the carrier IP-Voice market for its leadership, experience and ability to deliver innovative solutions. I wanted to join a market leader and drive the Company to meet the goals Hassan has outlined.
Q) Hassan what will having a separate Chairman and CEO bring to Sonus?
Hassan Ahmed: It isn’t really about having a distinct Chairman and CEO. This is about bringing Rich to Sonus. He has tremendous experience and relationships with carriers all over the world. For me, I’m ready to focus on being the Chairman and I know that Sonus will thrive under Rich’s leadership.
Q) Rich, what are your specific goals for Sonus in the next decade?
Rich Nottenburg: The service provider marketplace is dynamic and a great opportunity. Service providers tend to form allegiances and keep those for a very long time. I’ve been working in the telecommunications industry for over 25 years and during that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with some extraordinary individuals that have shaped the way the market evolves and communications have been transformed.
In the next decade, we are going to see major operators launch monumental deployments for new forms of communications systems. The goal, as it has always been, is for Sonus to play a leading role in the transformation of these communications networks. I think we have a very good shot at extending our leadership in the IP-voice marketplace, but I’m not content with that. Broadband wireless and video are also important arenas in communications that I believe Sonus will be an important part of.
Q) Hassan, now that you are focused exclusively on the role of Chairman do you plan to become more involved in other areas of focus like education?
Hassan Ahmed: I’m not close to done yet. Retirement is not something in my future. Adding Rich to the team is a major advantage for Sonus. Sonus will garner the benefit of Rich’s incredible drive and passion along with my energy and focus dedicated to the area I love most – the discovery of innovation.
I am involved with educational projects around the world. Here in the U.S. with the Boston Museum of Science, in Europe with the Next-Generation Institute of Technology in Slovakia and in Pakistan with the Lahore University of Management Sciences. Education has the power to change the world’s economy. I believe strongly that the next-generation of children has the potential to do even more by igniting their imagination and providing them with the skills to excel.
Q) Rich, what do you see on the horizon for Sonus?
Rich Nottenburg: Sonus is a global company that is delivering technology for today and the future. There is a tremendous opportunity for service providers and Sonus in helping people connect all over the world. We will help operators achieve their goals and reach heights with communication services never before imagined. Added to this – we will look beyond traditional voice and deliver on the compelling promise of multimedia services.
I look forward to taking the reins of Sonus in mid-June and driving us into the next decade as the market for IP-Voice extends.
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