For Immediate Release: 03-Jan-2002
Basking Ridge, N.J., USAvaya (NYSE:AV), a global leader in corporate communications
networking solutions and services, today announced that Michael
Thurk, 49, will join the Avaya senior leadership as group vice
president, systems. Thurk will oversee Avaya's systems for enterprise communications
" including network solutions for large data networks and Internet
Protocol (IP)-based communications networks. He will be based at
Avaya's Concord, Massachusetts location. "Businesses are moving towards truly converged communications,
and Avaya is determined to strengthen its leadership in converged
voice and data communication for enterprises worldwide," said Don
Peterson, president and CEO, Avaya. "We are delighted to welcome
Mike Thurk to lead Avaya's worldwide efforts in systems. Mike is a
data industry veteran with deep and broad experience in all aspects
of data and IP communication, along with a keen understanding of
enterprise customers and their global needs. He is well equipped to
lead Avaya's efforts to develop and offer converged communication
solutions to meet businesses' needs, today and in the future." Peterson said Thurk will have responsibility for voice and data
converged systems, and will work closely with the leaders of
Avaya's other three business groups, focused on applications,
services, and connectivity solutions. Thurk will join the company's
Global Governance Team and will report to Peterson. Thurk has almost 30 years of telecommunications experience,
including management positions at Ericsson and several U.S. data
communications companies. At Ericsson, he was Executive Vice
President, Division Data Backbone and Optical Networks and
President, Ericsson Datacom, Inc, where he built a new organzation
focusing on carrier, ISP and enterprise edge segments. Before his
assignment with Ericsson, he was president of Boston-based Xyplex
Networks, a network equipment developer. Thurk was senior vice
president for two years with General DataComm, with responsibility
for marketing and service. Prior to that, he worked for 14 years
with Digital Equipment, in senior roles and a vice president
responsible for enterprise network and telecommunications related
businesses. Thurk has a B.S. in computer science from Purdue University, an
M.B.A. from Babson College, and completed the Advanced Management
Program at INSEAD in France. About Avaya
Avaya, headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., USA, is a leading
global provider of communications solutions and services that help
businesses, government agencies and other institutions " including
more than 90 percent of the Fortune 500 " excel in the customer
economy. Avaya offers Communications Solutions, Hosted Solutions,
MultiService Network Infrastructure and Converged Voice and Data
Networks " including the company's no-compromise Enterprise-Class
IP Solutions (ECLIPS) " all supported by Avaya Services and Avaya
Labs. Avaya is the world leader in unified messaging, messaging
systems, calls centers and structured cabling systems. It is the
U.S. leader in voice communications systems and services. Avaya is
an official partner for the 2002 World Cup¢, the 2003 Women's World
Cup and the 2006 FIFA World Cup¢. 
Michael Thurk, Group Vice President, Systems
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