Priyanka Kharat Takes Charge of Acumen AI at Ribbon Communications
In a significant move for Ribbon Communications Inc., an industry leader in real-time communications technology, the company has appointed
Priyanka Kharat as the Senior Vice President of Acumen AI and Autonomous Networking Business Leader. This announcement came on October 22, 2026, as part of the company's broader strategy to leverage AI and automation within their networking solutions.
Kharat brings with her a wealth of experience in artificial intelligence, having previously held the position of Vice President and General Manager for Skylar AI at ScienceLogic. In that role, she oversaw the strategy and development of AI-driven monitoring and automation solutions tailored for IT infrastructure, networks, applications, and operational tools. Her proven track record in utilizing AI to enhance business growth makes her a valuable addition to Ribbon's executive team.
Bruce McClelland, CEO of Ribbon Communications, expressed confidence in Kharat’s capabilities, stating that her strong background in AI and understanding of market dynamics would be crucial in elevating the Acumen business. He highlighted her experience in employing AI and data technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, semiconductors, and enterprise software, which positions her well for this new role.
In her response, Kharat shared her enthusiasm about joining Ribbon at a pivotal time—when industries are increasingly turning to automation to boost reliability and lower operational costs in their pursuit of autonomous networking solutions. Emphasizing the importance of networks in today's connected world, she noted that Ribbon's longstanding history of innovation, along with its strong customer relationships, presents a compelling opportunity for growth.
The Role of Acumen in Networking
Ribbon's Acumen represents a state-of-the-art AIOps Automation platform tailored for voice and data networks. It consists of various ready-made applications and AI agents, along with tools that empower organizations to create custom applications and workflows that harness the power of AI. These innovations facilitate in-depth learning and the proactive application of operational policies. By rapidly analyzing data from various sources, Acumen can automate network deployment and management, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Moreover, Kharat emphasized the need for enterprises and service providers to automate network deployment processes. They must also capitalize on the vast data pools available to them while streamlining troubleshooting operations. Achieving this can lead to reduced costs and enhanced customer experiences—a crucial factor in today’s competitive landscape.
Despite the billions spent by service providers on their networks, return on investment isn't always guaranteed. Hence, to maximize shareholder value, there’s an urgent need for networks to be more agile and efficient. Kharat's leadership is set to explore innovative ways to address these challenges, ensuring that Ribbon Communications remains at the forefront of the industry.
About Ribbon Communications
Ribbon Communications Inc. is recognized as a global operator in voice communication software and optical networking services for both mobile and wireline service providers. The company supports critical infrastructure sectors and defense needs, reinforcing its commitment to aiding clients along their journey to autonomous networking. By integrating cutting-edge AIOps automation and Agentic AI technologies, Ribbon aims to foster improved customer experiences, lower operational costs, and achieve sustainable growth. For additional insights regarding Ribbon and its offerings, visit
rbbn.com.
Conclusion
With Kharat at the helm of the Acumen AI division, Ribbon Communications is poised to take significant steps toward modernizing telecommunications infrastructure. As businesses intensify their focus on automation and operational efficiency, Kharat's expertise in AI-driven strategies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of networking solutions.