Lou D'Ambrosio to Step Down as Avaya CEO and President for Medical Reasons

Charles Giancarlo to Assume Role Until Successor Is Named


BASKING RIDGE, NJ--(Marketwire - June 9, 2008) - Avaya, a leading global provider of business communications applications, systems and services, today announced that President & CEO Lou D'Ambrosio will be stepping down for medical reasons.

"Lou has been a guiding force at Avaya during his six-year tenure, the last two as CEO," said Dave Roux, co-founder of Silver Lake and non-executive chairman of Avaya. "He has shaped a compelling strategy, built a strong team, and led the company through important technology transitions to market share leadership. We cannot thank Lou enough for his tireless leadership and inspiration, and we know he will attack this personal challenge with the same winning spirit and determination he has brought to the toughest business challenges."

"It has been a true privilege to serve the customers and team of Avaya," said D'Ambrosio. "I have been blessed to lead a company that has clear technological leadership, a wonderful customer franchise, and the most dedicated team in the industry. I will be passionately rooting for Avaya and proudly watching the company thrive."

Avaya has engaged Heidrick & Struggles in a search for D'Ambrosio's successor. Giancarlo will assume the Avaya CEO and president role full time and will remain in that role until a successor is named. D'Ambrosio will maintain an advisory role to the company.

About Avaya

Avaya delivers Intelligent Communications solutions that help companies transform their businesses to achieve marketplace advantage. More than one million businesses worldwide, including more than 90 percent of the FORTUNE 500®, use Avaya solutions for IP telephony, unified communications, contact centers and communications-enabled business processes. Avaya Global Services provide comprehensive service and support for companies, small to large. For more information, visit the Avaya Web site at http://www.avaya.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Lynn Newman 908-953-8692 (office) 908-672-1321 (mobile) lynnnewman@avaya.com