RESTON, Va. -- XO Communications, Inc. ("XO") today announced that it has hired Carl J. Grivner as its new Chief Executive Officer effective May 15, 2003. Mr. Grivner succeeds Daniel Akerson, who resigned January 16, 2003. Mr. Grivner will join XO as a Member of the newly created Office of the Chairman effective May 1, 2003. "After a comprehensive search, I am pleased to announce that Carl Grivner will become XO's new Chief Executive Officer," said Carl Icahn, Chairman of XO. "Carl Grivner most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Global Crossing and he brings a wealth of experience in the telecom industry. His customer relationships, business acumen and leadership skills will be a tremendous asset to XO." Mr. Grivner's career in telecom and technology spans more than 25 years. Prior to joining Global Crossing in June 2000, Mr. Grivner served as Chief Executive Officer of Worldport Communications and before that he served as Chief Executive Officer, Western Hemisphere, of Cable & Wireless PLC. Additionally, Mr. Grivner has held various senior executive positions at Advanced Fiber Communications and Ameritech. Mr. Grivner began his career working in sales at IBM. He also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1974-1977. "I am pleased to be joining XO given its strong position in the industry," said Mr. Grivner. "With its strong balance sheet and the combination of its wide reaching broadband network assets and unique service offerings, XO is positioned to become a significant competitive force in the business telecommunications market. I look forward to developing XO into a market leader for its customers, employees and shareholders." XO Communications Inc.