BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Avaya (NYSE: AV - News) today announced that Caroline Dorsa will be joining the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Dorsa will join Avaya from Merck & Co., Inc. where she has held a range of financial and operational positions. Most recently, she was Vice President and Treasurer, responsible for a broad portfolio of financial functions including treasury, investor relations, portfolio management, tax, and controllership for manufacturing. She was also the Secretary of the Finance Committee of Merck's Board of Directors. Prior to becoming Treasurer, she served as Executive Director of U.S Customer Marketing and Executive Director of U.S. Pricing and Strategic Planning, both for Merck's Human Health Division.

Before joining Merck in 1987, she worked for the Mayor's Office of the City of New York, promoting economic development in midtown Manhattan.

"Avaya is extremely fortunate to have a world-class financial executive of Caroline Dorsa's sophistication, reputation and integrity as our new chief financial officer," said Lou D'Ambrosio, president and CEO, Avaya. "Her financial acumen, breadth of experience and track record of successful leadership in complex global environments will be powerful assets as we pursue our strategy in driving profitable growth."

Avaya Inc.