Sonus Names Sales Chief

SWINDON, U.K. -- Sonus Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS), a leading supplier of service provider Voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions, announced today that James Collier has joined the company as its vice president of worldwide sales. In this role, Collier will be responsible for Sonus' global sales and network services organisations. A respected industry executive with more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications market, Collier joins Sonus from Ciena Corporation where he most recently led the Company's worldwide sales organisation. Collier will fill the role previously held by Gary Rogers who will leave the company to pursue personal interests.

"I am extremely pleased to welcome Jim to the Sonus team. Jim brings to Sonus a deep knowledge of our industry and an exceptional record of accomplishment within major wireline and wireless operators globally. I am confident that he will play a critical role in enabling Sonus to capitalise on the growing global market for IP-based voice networks," said Hassan Ahmed, chairman and CEO. "I'd also like to personally thank Gary for his numerous contributions, his leadership and his friendship which have been vital to building Sonus into a predominant supplier in next-generation telecommunications."

Before joining Sonus, Collier was the senior vice president of worldwide sales at Ciena Corporation and was responsible for nearly doubling Ciena's revenue during his tenure. He also significantly expanded Ciena's presence within Postal Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) operators. Prior to assuming this role at Ciena, Collier was responsible for corporate development at Ciena leading the development and management of corporate alliances, partnerships and M&A activities within the Company after having lead Ciena's North American sales organisation.

As an accomplished industry executive, Collier had a distinguished 20-year career at Northern Telecom Inc. (Nortel), where he was responsible for sales of the company's wireless and optical solutions. He also held various engineering, business development and product marketing positions at Nortel.

"As Sonus continues its expansion into the wireless and global markets, Jim's leadership in providing innovative solutions that meet network operators' needs adds strength and breadth to our execution," said Bert Notini, president and COO. "Further, by combining worldwide sales and network services together in one organisation, we will accelerate our ability to deliver superior professional and deployment services in support of our customers' networks."

Sonus Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: SONS)