Ribbon Communications Names New AI Networking Business Head
The hire marks a strategic move to scale autonomous network automation tools for service providers and enterprise operators.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in People
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Ribbon Communications has appointed Priyanka Kharat as the new Senior Vice President of its Acumen AI Autonomous Networking Business. She joins the firm to oversee the next growth phase of the platform, which provides automation for voice and data networks.
Why it matters
Enterprises and service providers are increasingly adopting AI-driven automation to reduce operating costs and improve customer experiences across their networks. Ribbon is positioning its Acumen unit to meet this demand through ready-made applications and custom AI workflows.
Service providers invest billions annually in their network infrastructure. The appointment of Kharat aims to scale the Acumen AIOps platform's market reach, though specific revenue performance metrics for the business unit were not provided.
The players
Priyanka Kharat
The new SVP of Acumen AI Autonomous Networking at Ribbon Communications who previously served as VP and GM of Skylar AI at ScienceLogic.
Ribbon Communications
A global provider of real-time communications software and network solutions for service providers and large enterprises.
The details
The Acumen platform utilizes AI agents and pre-built applications to automate manual network tasks. It also features a builder tool, allowing organizations to create custom workflows and proactive operational policies to manage complex voice and data environments.
Timeline
October 23, 2026: Ribbon Communications announced the appointment of Priyanka Kharat.
Market Landscape
This leadership change follows the broader industry shift toward AIOps and Automation platforms for network management. It signals an effort to capture market share within this competitive technology segment.
Operators currently evaluating network automation tools should track how Ribbon evolves its custom workflow builder under new leadership. The focus on proactive operational policies suggests a continued trend toward self-healing network infrastructures that reduce manual oversight.
The takeaway
The move highlights the industry-wide push to leverage autonomous agents for routine network maintenance. Operators should monitor whether this leadership change leads to improved platform integration capabilities or expanded developer tools for custom network automation.
Further reading
For broader insight into leadership trends, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TelecomDrive.
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