Zayo Names New CEO to Lead Fiber Network Expansion and AI Infrastructure Strategy
Key Highlights
- Zayo has named telecommunications executive Sowmyanarayan Sampath as its next chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026. Sampath will succeed Steve Smith, who will retire as CEO and remain on Zayo’s Board of Directors.
- The transition occurs as demand accelerates for fiber networks, data center connectivity, and high-capacity infrastructure needed to support AI workloads, distributed applications, and hyperscale environments.
- Sampath joins Zayo with more than two decades of digital infrastructure experience, including leadership roles at Verizon Business and Verizon Consumer, as well as telecom strategy experience with Boston Consulting Group.
Zayo has appointed Sowmyanarayan Sampath as its next chief executive officer, effective September 1, 2026, as the digital infrastructure provider prepares for its next phase of growth amid increasing demand for fiber connectivity, data center capacity, and AI-driven network infrastructure.
Sampath will succeed Steve Smith, who will retire as CEO following a tenure marked by significant network expansion, operational transformation, and the company’s increased focus on supporting high-capacity connectivity needs for enterprises, cloud providers, and AI-related workloads. Smith will remain a member of Zayo’s Board of Directors.
Sampath brings more than two decades of experience in telecommunications and digital infrastructure. Most recently, he served as CEO of Verizon Consumer and previously led Verizon Business, where he oversaw large-scale enterprise and network operations. He also served as head of BCG’s global telecommunications practice, advising carriers worldwide on transformation and growth strategies.
During Smith’s leadership, Zayo expanded its fiber footprint, advanced network automation initiatives, and completed the acquisition of Crown Castle’s Fiber Solutions Business. The transaction added approximately 90,000 route miles and 40,000 on-net enterprise locations to Zayo’s network footprint. The company also expanded planned fiber construction projects to more than 15,000 route miles.
The leadership transition comes as network infrastructure providers face growing pressure to support AI workloads and increasingly distributed digital environments. High-capacity fiber networks and data center connectivity have become critical components of the infrastructure required to support large-scale AI deployments and enterprise cloud applications.
Smith will continue serving as CEO through August 31, 2026. Zayo said Smith and Sampath will work with the company’s Board of Directors and leadership team during the transition period to support continuity for customers and stakeholders.
Source: Zayo
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