Zayo Group Names Former Verizon Exec Sowmyanarayan Sampath as CEO
The company said Sampath will lead its AI push and oversee 224,000 route miles of fiber after Steve Smith steps down.
- Zayo Group appointed former Verizon executive Sowmyanarayan Sampath as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 1, 2026, replacing retiring CEO Steve Smith.
- During Smith's tenure as CEO since October 2020, Zayo expanded its fiber network to span 224,000 route miles across North America and 32 million fiber miles.
- Zayo recently finalized the acquisition of Crown Castle's fiber assets, marking the company's 50th and largest deal since 2007 to strengthen infrastructure capabilities.
- Chairman of Zayo's Board of Directors Kevin Turner thanked Smith for his leadership, noting he will continue serving as a Board member during the transition.
- Sampath will lead Zayo's AI-driven strategy, including plans to build 5,000 route miles of long-haul fiber across the US by 2030 to meet rising demand.
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Sampath Named Zayo CEO
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2026 – Sowmyanarayan Sampath will take over as CEO of Zayo on Sept. 1, 2026, the company announced Tuesday.Sampath previously spent more than 11 years with Verizon, most recently as the CEO of the carrier’s consumer unit. Learn about America250 / Telecom150 Learn about America250 / Telecom150 Steve Smith, Zayo’s current CEO, will stay on the company’s board of directors after Sampath takes his spot. Smith has led the compa…
Zayo names former Verizon exec Sampath as next CEO
Infrastructure provider Zayo revealed a planned CEO transition with former Verizon executive Sowmyanarayan Sampath (pictured) appointed as chief following the eventual retirement of Steve Smith. Smith remains CEO until 31 August when he will retire. Sampath will take the reins on 1 September while Smith will remain on Zayo’s board following the handover. During the transition period, Smith and Sampath will work closely with Zayo’s board and lead…
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