Windstream Names Randy Nicklas As CTO

Windstream Corp. has named Randy Nicklas executive vice president of engineering and chief technology officer.

Nicklas will be responsible for network planning and engineering, outside plant, records and capital management.

Formerly chief technology officer and senior vice president of engineering for XO Communications, where he was responsible for the overall network technology vision for the company’s voice, data, and transport networks, he also advised on the overall design of the company’s commercial and wholesale voice, data and IP-based services.

He will be based in Little Rock.

Nicklas has extensive experience in the design, implementation and integration of large-scale IP/MPLS backbones, VoIP soft switch and feature server platforms, metro Ethernet networks and transport networks.

“Randy has a deep understanding of complex telecommunications networks, a wealth of experience leading engineering organizations, and a real passion for excellence,” said Brent Whittington, chief operating officer of Windstream. “He will help us take the critical next steps to strengthen our network so that it truly becomes the platform for our long-term success.”