Avaya appoints three new execs after avoiding bankruptcy

The unified comms giant announced in February it was filing for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but appears to be in better health following financial restructuring

Avaya has appointed three new executives as it rebuilds its strength at the top after filing for bankruptcy and successfully completing financial restructuring.

The unified comms giant said the appointments - for a new CFO, CPO and CMO - mark another "critical step in the company's business transformation".

Amy O'Keefe has been chosen for the chief financial officer position and will be responsible for the global finance of the organisation.

She brings 30 years of financial expertise and a track record of driving business growth while maximising profitability.

O'Keefe most recently served as CFO of WW International.

Omar Javaid has been appointed to the chief product officer post as he leads product strategy and management as well as strategic alliances and technology partners.

He most recently served as SVP & GM at Qualcomm, and previously as president of the Nexmo API platform unit and chief product officer at Vonage

The chief marketing officer role was given to Josh Mueller who will oversee worldwide marketing activities and Avaya's hardware business, including supply chain, procurement and devices.

"As Avaya enters a dynamic new chapter, the extensive industry and management experience of these executives will help us rapidly build on the leadership position we have established in customer experience," said Avaya CEO Alan Masarek about the appointments.

Avaya had announced back in May 2023 that it had successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from the Chapter 11 process with $650m in its back pocket in liquidity.

Previous to that, however, Avaya had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2023 following months of speculation of a bankruptcy declaration after its 2022 cloud subscription accounting problems that led to substantial earnings and revenue target misses.

"We operate in a very competitive technology industry, and seasoned executives like O'Keefe, Javaid and Mueller could choose to work anywhere.

"Their decision to join Avaya is strong affirmation of the company's potential and validates that we have set Avaya on the right path for our customers, partners and employees."

All the new executives will report to Alan Masarek.