FierceTelecom presents its 2020 class of Rising Stars

Linda Hardesty editor's corner

2020 is a year to be remembered on many levels. But in the telecom world, it's a year when internet connectivity took on a whole new significance as we all started working and learning from home. The Covid-19 crisis called particular attention to wired networks because these networks support Wi-Fi in the home.

The telecom ecosystem rose to the challenge. And young executives have had a chance to especially shine in 2020.

The individuals on the slate of this year's FierceTelecom Rising Stars were nominated by their companies from a variety of areas, including strategy, sales, product management, engineering, and operations. Some are just starting their careers, while others have already achieved prominence.

Edge computing, cloud software and Wi-Fi 6 are among the technologies that are shaping the careers of this year’s FierceTelecom Rising Stars.

Each has a unique perspective on the technology shaping the telecom industry, and each one also has a unique story to tell. We hope you enjoy reading them!

 

Windstream's Art Nichols

Art Nichols

 

Versa's Monnia Deng

Monnia Deng

 

Comcast's Kunle Ekundare

Kunle Ekundare

 

AT&T's Brenda Laboy

Brenda Laboy

 

VMware's Sachin Katti

Sachin Katti

 

 

Equinix's Chiaren Cushing

Equinix's Chiaren Cushing

 

 

Cisco's Bob Everson

Bob Everson

 

BT's Annastasia Lang

Annastasia Lang

 

 

Orange's Samir El Rashidy

Samir El Rashidy

 

 

Colt's Francesca Serravalle

Francesca Serravalle

 

Lumen’s Kevin McBride

Kevin McBride

 

We're also doing a poll so you can vote for your favorite top executive to watch in telecom. We’re using Crowdsignal.com for the actual voting.

You’re encouraged to cast your vote in the poll window below. Repeated voting is prohibited with a block to cookies and IP addresses. The poll will stay open for one week, and we'll announce the winner on October 6. Feel free to use social media to promote your favorite exec, using @FierceTelecom #2020RisingStar. Happy competing!