CHELMSFORD, Mass. -- Sonus Networks (Nasdaq: SONSE), a leading supplier of service provider voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure solutions, today announced the appointment of Steve Edwards as chief marketing officer (CMO) and general manager of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In this role, Edwards reports to Sonus president and chief operating officer (COO), Bert Notini.

As a senior executive with over 25 years experience in the global telecommunications and IT industry, most recently as vice president of indirect sales and strategic partnerships at AT&T, Edwards will lead Sonus Networks' global marketing, product management and business alliances activities. In addition, Edwards will assume responsibility for business operations within EMEA.

Under Edwards, the consolidation of all marketing, product management and business alliances initiatives will provide a focus on delivering high-value VoIP solutions and services to wireless and wireline service providers and immediately creating strategic alliances and partnerships to increase global coverage.

"Steve has achieved success in both large, multinational telecommunications organizations and in start-up environments, and will be key in driving Sonus' growth," said Hassan Ahmed, chief executive officer (CEO) and chairman, Sonus Networks. "Steve brings to Sonus considerable knowledge and leadership in building global partnerships and the development of high-growth sales channels and strategies. We are delighted to welcome Steve to the Sonus management team."

Sonus Networks Inc.