Comverse names new COO, directors

Comverse Technology Inc. said it eliminated the interim chief executive position and promoted its chief administrative officer to the post of chief operating officer, while also naming five new independent directors.
The Manhattan-based maker of voicemail software is trying to move forward after a stock option grants scandal that led its former CEO Jacob “Kobi” Alexander, to flee the country.
Paul Robinson, the company’s CAO, will become chief operating officer and continue to serve as executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.
Raz Alon, who has been acting chief executive, will continue as an independent director. Comverse said new directors Susan Bodwick, Charles Burdick, Richard Nottenburg, Joseph O’Donnell and Theodore Schell will begin service on Dec. 1.
“We are delighted to welcome the new independent directors to our board,” said Ron Hiram, chairman of the board, who also thanked Mr. Alon for his contributions during a “very tumultuous” period at the company.
In August prosecutors charged top Comverse executives with fraud for illegally backdating options. Two other top executives surrendered to authorities, but Alexander fled to Namibia and awaits an extradition hearing in April.
The other executives, former general counsel William Sorin and former Chief Financial Officer David Kreinberg have both pleaded guilty to related charges.