Fusion Connect Names New CEO to Lead Company Post-Bankruptcy

The past two years have been tumultuous for Fusion Connect (News - Alert).  The UCaaS company had done reasonably well in adjusting to a cloud-driven communications world, but following its acquisitions of Birch and Megapath two years ago, its performance did failed to meet expectations and the company was unable to pay off its debt.  It filed for bankruptcy in February 2019.

The company named former SVP of Customer Experience Kevin Brand as COO and interim CEO.  Considering the customer relationship challenges the Chapter 11 filing would present, it was a logical move, as former CEO stepped down and would serve as the Chairman of the Board of Directors through the bankruptcy process.

Through it all, Fusion continued to operate and win new clients, including several major accounts, as it pressed on with its restructuring.  The company launched a new UCaaS platform, FusionWorks Pro UC, in August, and continued to strengthen its channel relationships.  Earlier this year, the company emerged from Chapter 11 with a stronger balance sheet and restructured debt that includes ownership by its creditors.

Today, Fusion has announced its new CEO, Brian Crotty, who will be tasked with guiding the revamped company into the future.  Crotty comes to Fusion with three decades of communications industry experience, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer at Sungard Availability Services.  He spent 12 years with Broadview Networks (News - Alert), and transitioned from his COO role to President of Customer Experience & Advocacy and President of Mid- and Commercial Markets for Windstream Enterprise (News - Alert) after Windstream acquired Broadview.

Brand will continue to serve as the Fusion’s COO.

“I am honored to lead Fusion through a pivotal period in its evolution as a major technology partner supporting businesses of all sizes with their digital transformation,” said Crotty.  “I look forward to working with Kevin as president and COO and the entire Fusion team made up of experienced professionals from Fusion, Birch and MegaPath.”

Through his long tenure in the communications space, Crotty experience driving operational efficiency with a focus on customer experience positions him well to help Fusion grow in its new existence, with the support of a leadership team that not only combines a mix of Birch and Megapath experience (which continue to operate under their respective brands), as well as extensive Fusion experience to provide the level of continuity the company will need to grow.

Brian is a seasoned executive with demonstrated experience in implementing operational efficiencies while focusing on exceptional customer service and advancing strategies for growth. We are confident that he will lead the company's strong team of technology professionals to achieve Fusion's best future."

“I speak for the entire Board in expressing our gratitude to Kevin for his expert leadership of the company through emergence as we completed our search for Fusion’s CEO,” said Andy Fishman, Chairman of Fusion’s Board of Directors.  “We are fully committed to investing in the company’s long-term growth and success, and it is our great pleasure today to welcome Brian, who exemplifies the kind of leadership that will help drive that success.”