Alan Masarek, Morristown-based Avaya‘s CEO, was named UC Today‘s 2023 Leader of the Year, according to a Monday announcement. UC Today is the leading online publication for unified communications and collaboration technology.
Winners of the UC awards, now in their sixth year, are chosen based on their ability to innovate, the impact on their niche and various other factors, including the impact each company has on its intended customer.
About Avaya
Avaya is a global leader in customer experience solutions. The Morristown-based business’ solutions power immersive, personalized and memorable customer experiences to help organizations achieve their strategic ambitions and desired outcomes.
“This award is powerful affirmation of how much Avaya has accomplished in the last year, and I’m proud to accept this on behalf of our employees, partners and customers who have been so supportive throughout this journey — this award is more about them than me,” Masarek said. “I’m particularly pleased that this recognition comes so quickly on the heels of our successful customer event, Avaya ENGAGE, which served as an epicenter where customers and partners convened who are shaping the future of communications technology.
“Avaya is unquestionably back, and UC Today’s award is recognition of our progress.”
An industry innovator with deep domain expertise in enterprise communications and operational transformations, Masarek was appointed as Avaya’s CEO and member of the company’s board of directors in August 2022. In just his first year in the role, Masarek led the company through a remarkably successful financial and business restructuring, and garnered extraordinary results. The transformation eliminated nearly $4 billion in debt, while securing $650 million in incremental investment. Avaya emerged from its restructuring with significant financial strength and ample liquidity to accelerate the company’s investment in its innovative, cloud-based portfolio, especially across customer experience offerings powered by AI, while positioning Avaya for long-term success.
Jon Arnold, principal, J Arnold & Associates, has judged many UC awards categories and acknowledges that the Leader of the Year is his favorite. He said all the entries highlight strong technologies, so selecting a winner can prove to be challenging.
“What’s harder to come by is visionary leadership, and, in my view, Alan brings that in ways I didn’t see from other entries in this category,” Arnold said. “From the outset, I’ve felt that Alan was the right man for the job when coming to Avaya, and, in short order, he has delivered.
“Well done on the award, and I hope to see this great momentum continue for Avaya.”
UC Today relies on an outside, impartial panel of judges, including renowned industry analysts and influencers. This year’s panel included Arnold, as well as: Zeus Kerravala, Tim Banting, Melissa Swartz, Blair Pleasant, Dom Black, Evan Kirstel and Kevin Kieller.
