Windstream announced that Paul H. Sunu has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Tony Thomas, who decided to depart the company and step down from the board, after a distinguished 17 years at Windstream.
Sunu has served as Chairman of the Board since 2020 and will retain his position. As CEO, he will enhance the effectiveness of the company’s strategy, improve customer service and drive its next phase of growth.
Sunu brings 27 years of telecom industry experience and a strong track record of achieving strategic objectives and positioning wireline communications companies for long-term growth. He has previously served in senior leadership roles at several companies, including FairPoint Communications, Electric Lightwave, Hargray Communications Group Inc., Hawaiian Telcom Inc. and Madison River Communications.
“Over the past three years as chairman, I have come to appreciate the caliber 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 fiber network,” Sunu said.
During Thomas’ tenure, Windstream acquired, merged and integrated several companies, successfully restructured under Chapter 11 and launched its fiber transformation. Thomas also held several leadership positions, including CFO of Windstream.
Windstream is owned by Elliott Investment Management, OakTree Capital Management, PIMCO and other principal investors.
Additional information is available at windstream.com.