Dec. 15, 2003 -- Switch and Data announced late Friday that President and CEO Patricia Higgins will leave the company to pursue other business opportunities. Higgins will continue in her posts until the search for a replacement is complete, and retain a board seat during the transition period.
Over the past three and half years, Higgins has led the colocation and interconnection provider during a downturn in its core communications and Internet industries. She oversaw the acquisition of PAIX earlier this year, providing a broader platform of customers and services to position the Tampa, Fla. company for growth.
"I am pleased with what has been accomplished in successfully growing the company over the past few years," said Higgins. "The acquisition plans we implemented enabled us to build a much stronger company.
"With this strong platform in place, it is an excellent time for me to pursue some exciting new professional and personal opportunities, while being comfortable the company is well positioned for new leadership to take the company to its next stage of growth," she added.
"Patricia has provided Switch and Data with excellent leadership in a very difficult market," said company chairman Bill Luby. "Many of Switch and Data's competitors were not able to achieve the kind of positive results she was able to achieve while leading the company. We wish Patricia luck in her new endeavors."
On Thursday, Switch and Data announced that Art Matin, President of McAfee Security, had joined the company's board of directors, replacing retiring board member Deborah Rieman.
The acquisition of PAIX has changed the bottom line at Switch and Data, which acquired 225 customers representing $30 million in annual revenues. The company says it now has more than 400 customers
Switch and Data provides interconnection and colocation services to network centric enterprises and service providers.