Windstream has announced Paul H. Sunu as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Effective immediately, Sunu replaces the outgoing Tony Thomas, who has left Windstream and stepped down from the board after 17 years at the company. Sunu has worked as Windstream’s board Chairman since 2020 and will retain his position.

Sunu said:

Over the past three years as Chairman, I have come to appreciate the calibre of the management team and the determination, dedication and talent within Windstream. I look forward to working with them to serve our customers with excellence as we continue to expand our fibre network.”

Sunu’s remit as CEO encompasses enhancing the effectiveness of Windstream’s strategy, bolstering customer service and accelerating its next stage of growth.

Sunu’s CV illustrates 27 years of telecom industry experience and a track record of fulfilling strategic objectives and positioning wireline comms businesses for long-term growth. Sunu previously served in senior leadership roles at multiple companies, such as FairPoint Communications, Electric Lightwave, Hargray Communications Group, Inc., Hawaiian Telcom, Inc. and Madison River Communications.

During Thomas’ reign as CEO, Windstream acquired, merged and integrated multiple businesses and successfully restructured under Chapter 11. Windstream also underwent its fibre transformation.

“I am proud of what we have achieved at Windstream,” Thomas said. “I thank the Board for their support and remain confident that the Company is on the right course.”

Elliott Investment Management, OakTree Capital Management, PIMCO and other principal investors own Windstream.

“Paul is especially well suited to step into the role of CEO — he has deeply relevant industry experience, he knows Windstream well, and he is a proven leader with a strong record of moving fast and delivering long-term value. The Board is fully aligned in its belief that now is the right time for Paul to take the reins and lead the Company forward,” added Elliott Portfolio Manager Johannes Weber.

“We are grateful to Tony for his years of service to Windstream and wish him the best. We anticipate a seamless transition and are looking forward to Windstream’s next phase of growth.”

What Has Windstream Been Up To This Year?

Windstream upgraded its Voice over IP (VoIP) platform to Azure to enhance customer value earlier this year.

Windstream’s VoIP solution, Dynamic IP, will migrate to Azure for Operators clustered Call Feature Server (cCFS). The upgrade will offer Windstream’s Dynamic IP customers improved reliability, access to new communications and integrated data and voice features to assist their businesses, and an advanced portal for delivering a positive user experience.

The integration between Azure for Operators offerings and Windstream’s platform is currently available for Windstream customers,  allowing streamlined collaboration across voice and data solutions. Banking, education, retailers, government and healthcare providers are among the industries leveraging Windstream’s software solutions. These include cybersecurity, such as Windstream’s Secure Access Security Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) offerings.



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