Plano, TX – Ribbon Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: RBBN), a global provider of real time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions to many of the world’s largest service providers, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators to modernize and protect their networks, today announced the appointment of John Townsend as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective November 1, 2024. Mr. Townsend will succeed Miguel “Mick” Lopez who Ribbon previously announced is retiring after a short transition period.

Mr. Townsend is a proven financial leader with an impressive career that spans over 30 years leading large complex financial organizations for several of the industry’s largest service providers across five continents and 30 countries.

Mr. Townsend spent nine years at Verizon Communications as Chief Financial Officer for several organizations including Verizon Business, Verizon Consumer, and Verizon Wireless, supporting annual revenue streams in excess of $90 billion and leading his teams through periods of aggressive change and growth.

Prior to Verizon, Mr. Townsend spent almost two decades at Vodafone with several regional CFO assignments where he was instrumental in leading commercial and business transformation programs that spanned across many countries and markets, navigating diverse multicultural organizations. As part of his time at Vodafone, he held the Chief Financial Officer position of the Verizon Wireless joint venture responsible for the company’s SEC reporting and investor communications.

Most recently Mr. Townsend served as the CFO of Digicel where he drove profitability improvements and operational efficiencies.

“John joins us with extensive industry experience and a strong track record of delivering profitable growth, value creation and financial foresight,” said Bruce McClelland, Ribbon Communications Chief Executive Officer. “We welcome John to Ribbon as we continue our mission to become a leading communication solutions supplier. His appointment reflects our commitment to strategic leadership. We also want to thank Mick again for his contributions over the last 4 years.”

“In my discussions with Bruce, members of the Board of Directors and other members of the executive team, it was clear to me that Ribbon is executing well against its strategic vision and has positioned itself to capitalize on major industry investments in network transformation to support the exponential growth in data traffic from mobile, broadband, and AI,” said John Townsend. “I look forward to joining Ribbon and working with one of the best teams in the industry in order to drive value for all stakeholders.”