Windstream, Sungard AS Vet Named Fusion Connect CEO

Brian Crotty is taking the reins as Fusion Connect CEO, just a few months after the company emerged from chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Crotty most recently was chief commercial officer for Sungard AS. He succeeds Kevin Brand, Fusion’s interim CEO since last October. Crotty has nearly 30 years of experience leading major organizations in the communications industry.

Fusion Connect’s Brian Crotty

“Fusion is uniquely positioned to bundle its robust and secure IP-based North American network and our application layer services to deliver best-in-class products and services while providing meaningful improvements in our customers’ experience,” Crotty said. “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.”

Fusion filed chapter 11 bankruptcy last summer after its acquisitions of MegaPath and Birch Communications’ cloud and business-services business failed to meet performance projections. It eliminated about $400 million of its long-term debt in the reorganization.

Prior to his stint at Sungard AS, Crotty held executive roles with Comstar Technologies and Windstream Enterprise. He also was COO of Broadview Networks, which Windstream acquired.

The new Fusion Connect CEO led Broadview’s transformation to a national UCaaS cloud solutions provider.

Andy Fishman is chairman of Fusion’s board of directors. He said Crotty is experienced in implementing “operational efficiencies while focusing on exceptional customer service and advancing strategies for growth.”

“We are confident he will lead the company’s strong team of technology professionals to achieve Fusion’s best future,” Fishman said.

In February, Fusion expanded its channel team with three new senior channel managers for the Northeast, Midwest and Central/South. They were previously with Reliacom, Comcast Business and Spectrum Business.