Alan Heckler has been appointed Chief Innovation & Integration Officer by global communications infrastructure provider Zayo. Heckler has a wealth of experience in digital infrastructure, industrial transformation, and M&A strategy from over 25 years of combined business and consulting experience. Heckler will oversee transformation projects aimed at boosting Zayo’s long-term growth as well as integration efforts, such as the company’s recent acquisition of Crown Castle’s fiber solutions division.
“Zayo’s dedication to provide our clients with the vital infrastructure they require to usher in the next generation of technology is demonstrated by our recent acquisition of Crown Castle. Alan has the necessary experience to spearhead this acquisition’s integration and quicken our company’s overall development. Steve Smith, CEO of Zayo, stated, “Under his leadership, we will be able to scale more efficiently, provide our customers with even more value, and solidify our position at the core of the digital infrastructure ecosystem.”
Through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic expansion, Zayo has established the largest independent network in North America since its foundation in 2007. In order to satisfy the growing demand from AI, cloud, and next-generation technologies, it has installed about three million fiber miles and invested more than $20 billion in infrastructure expansion in just the last five years. Heckler will concentrate on coordinating strategy, operations, and technology to boost development and innovation as it continues to expand, which includes the acquisition of Crown Castle and significant long-term investments to support AI.
According to Heckler, “very few infrastructure providers are actively investing in expanding their networks as much as Zayo is. By acquiring Crown Castle’s fiber assets, we have a significant chance to fortify our network where our consumers most need it and develop with purpose. My main goals will be to make sure we can quickly and clearly integrate these assets, align our operations and skills for long-term growth, and keep providing the size our clients require to be leaders in the upcoming technological revolution. It is a privilege for me to be a part of Zayo at this pivotal and exciting juncture in its development.
Heckler oversaw the Americas Industrial Product Practice and was a member of the Americas Leadership Team at Kearney prior to joining Zayo. The practice increased in size and became one of the firm’s biggest and most lucrative business areas under his direction. He specializes in large-scale transformation and value creation projects and has worked in a variety of industries, including communications, media, technology, aerospace, defense, and infrastructure.
