123NET, a Southfield-based provider of fiber internet, colocation and voice services, has named Ken Fitzpatrick, former President and CEO of Everstream, as its president and CEO of 123NET, effective May 21.
123NET is a portfolio company of Grain Management, a leading Washington, D.C.-based investment firm focused on the global communications sector.
Fitzpatrick succeeds 123NET Founder, President, and CEO Dan Irvin, who will remain with the company as a member of the Board of Directors. The leadership transition is part of the company’s long-term growth and succession planning strategy.
“I am honored to lead 123NET forward and build on the solid foundation Dan and his team have created,” Fitzpatrick says. “The company has a clear strategic direction and strong market position. I believe it’s well positioned for continued growth in the years ahead. I look forward to working alongside the team to build on the company’s success, deepen customer relationships and capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”
Irvin says, “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at 123NET, from the earliest days of internet communications to becoming one of the most impactful and best-connected telecom companies in the Midwest.
“Ken stood out immediately as the right leader for this next chapter. He understands our culture, values our client relationships and has the experience to continue driving innovation.”
Fitzpatrick brings more than 30 years of experience leading and scaling complex network-based businesses. At Everstream, he led the company through a successful turnaround and return to profitable growth in the enterprise fiber market. He also recently served as chief strategy officer for the communications practice at Wipro, where he was responsible for scaling the carrier and infrastructure sectors across North America.
“We are excited to welcome Ken to 123NET and look forward to partnering with him and the management team as the company continues its strong growth trajectory,” says Steven Smith, managing director at Grain Management. “Ken’s industry experience, operational leadership and strategic vision make him exceptionally well suited to lead 123NET into its next chapter. We also want to thank Dan for his remarkable leadership over the past 30 years and for building an outstanding business and culture that position the company for continued success.”
