The industry-leading Officers and Board of Directors driving MEF’s success.
MEF has a long history of industry collaboration to solve shared business challenges, which is engrained in MEF’s mission and organizational structure. The member-elected, business-focused Board of Directors helps to reinforce the membership’s direction to deliver measurable value to the industry and its stakeholders.
Nan Chen
Chief Executive Officer, MEF
Chief Executive Officer, MEF
Nan is a tech entrepreneur, a world traveler, and an avid runner …
As a tech entrepreneur, Nan founded and serves as CEO of MEF that defines, certifies, and federates global communications services. Nan also founded CENX (acquired by Ericsson) that pioneered industry first service assurance solution for closed loop automation. His previous ventures include Atrica (acquired by Nokia) and SynOptics/BayNetworks (acquired by Nortel). Nan has been recognized regularly as one of Top 100 Most Influential People in Telecom/Internet Industry.
As a world traveler, Nan visited over 50 countries mostly for work, and over 200 wineries mostly for pleasure; As an avid runner, Nan raced over 20 marathons, including World Marathon Majors.
In his previous life, he was a record holder in pole vault at Beijing University with 2 MS & 1 BS degrees.
Kevin Vachon
Chief Operating Officer, MEF
Chief Operating Officer, MEF
As MEF COO since 2006, Kevin leads a team that builds, supports and scales the MEF’s ever-increasing mix of global programs activities. He is actively engaged with MEF’s global member and partner community and has a broad perspective on the important role that MEF plays in the industry and how to deliver results.
MEF is a global industry association of network, cloud, and technology providers who together drive network transformation to power the digital economy. MEF develops service standards, LSO frameworks and APIs, and certification programs for services, technologies, APIs, and professionals. As a major milestone in this journey, Kevin led MEF’s efforts to conceive and bring to market, MEF 3.0, the global services framework. He was instrumental in engaging global service providers for the development of MEF 3.0 LSO Sonata APIs for inter-carrier automation.
Prior to joining MEF, Kevin held the position of CEO of DIATEM Networks Inc., a Carrier Ethernet software company from 2003 to 2005 and was President and CEO of NUVO Network Management, a network management outsourcing firm, from 1996 to 2002. Previously, he held other senior management positions with NUVO and spent 10 years in a wide variety of capacities with Gandalf Technologies, a network equipment manufacturer.
Pascal Menezes
Chief Technology Officer, MEF
Chief Technology Officer, MEF
Pascal Menezes is a high-energy technology leader with depth and breadth of expertise, business acumen, and the ability to translate technical strategies into results. Pascal has decades of demonstrated success in technology strategy, planning, and execution in internetworking, next-generation information systems, communication architectures and cloud technologies. As co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) of MEF, Pascal directs the organization’s technology strategy and roadmap, currently focused on connectivity, digital services, cybersecurity, edge computing, and service provider automation for cloud-scale deployments.
Previously Pascal led several high-tech startups and spent 10 years in Microsoft’s Skype for Business Global Carrier Group (i.e., Teams) delivering on global, large-scale cloud technology development. Passionate about technology, Pascal sits on the advisory board of Layer 1 2 3 and the editorial board of Capacity; has held leadership positions in several industry associations; received numerous industry global thought leadership awards, including Capacity Magazine Top 20 Leaders in SDN 2018, Top 25 Movers and Shakers in Telecom 2018, and Capacity Magazine Power 100 2019; and delivers executive presentations extensively at conferences worldwide. Pascal holds 30+ patents and patents pending and has co-authored numerous standards within the IETF, MEF, and Broadband Forum.
Daniel Bar-Lev
Vice President, Strategic Programs, Business Development EMEA, MEF
Vice President, Strategic Programs, MEF
As Vice President Strategic Programs, Daniel is responsible for the development and implementation of a range of strategic MEF programs that are central to MEF’s transformation to an agile-process oriented standards development organization defining, implementing and certifying MEF 3.0 services. These innovative programs – including SD-WAN definition and certification, MEF 3.0 Products, MEF 3.0 Proofs of Concept and the MEF Developer Community – enable MEF’s 200+ member companies to accelerate the transformation of their networks and operations to offer and deliver MEF 3.0 services. In addition, Daniel is responsible for MEF membership in the EMEA region, developing relationships and facilitating engagement of member companies in every aspect of MEF activities.
Daniel has been involved in the networking industry for over 25 years holding a variety of positions in RAD Data Communications, as well as co-founding Resolute Networks where he held executive positions. Representing Resolute in the MEF, Daniel served for 3 years as MEF Global Marketing Co-Chair and was elected three times to the MEF Board of Directors. Since 2010, Daniel has been a senior member of the MEF staff.
Sunil Khandekar
Chief Enterprise Development Officer, MEF
Chief Enterprise Development Officer, MEF
Tech Executive | Advisor | Former Founder & CEO of Nuage Networks,
Sunil is a seasoned tech executive and advisor with over 25 years of experience in the Telecom and Networking industry. He specializes in developing high-value growth businesses from concept to customer adoption. Sunil’s most recent role was as the Founder and CEO of Nuage Networks.
During his career, Sunil has held various product and business leadership roles at Alcatel-Lucent, including an international assignment in Europe, leading and managing the IP Division business for the EMEA region. He has in-depth knowledge of SDN, SD-WAN, multi-hybrid cloud, cloud security, and networking. Sunil is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences.
Debika Bhattacharya
President & Chair, MEF
Chief Technology Solutions Officer,
Verizon Business Group
Debika Bhattacharya is Chief Technology Solutions Officer for Verizon Business, charged with delivering 5G solutions and strategic business outcomes to Verizon’s Global Enterprise and Government customers—leading a team of 1,100+ sales and technology professionals across 20 countries.
Debika’s current focus is on delivering business value to clients through Verizon’s best-in-class solutions such as 5G, Edge Computing, Software-Defined Services, and Digital Collaboration—partnering with customers to navigate the challenges of today while building the foundation for future success.
As a seasoned global executive, Debika has extensive experience leading complex technology projects for Fortune 1000 clients, guiding successful IT transformations in healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and financial services. She has held a variety of executive roles within Verizon, including an overseas assignment in Europe. She was instrumental in the global expansion of Verizon’s communications network, as well as the deployment of breakthrough optical wave technologies.
Debika holds advanced degrees in Electrical Engineering and Physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the State University of New York. She serves as an industry liaison to the MIT community and participates in outreach programs aimed at increasing the participation of women and minorities in Science and Engineering. She is also active in IEEE-Women in Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers.
Paul Gampe
Director, MEF
Chief Technology Officer,
Console Connect by PCCW Global
Paul Gampe became Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Console Connect by PCCW Global in late 2017 and is able to draw on 20 years’ experience in IT operations, software development and international business.
He had previously held CTO posts at Console Connect Inc and NEXTDC, and served as Vice President of Worldwide Engineering Services and Operations at Red Hat.
Operating as a senior software executive with a substantial technical foundation, Paul has led multidisciplinary teams globally for over 20 years.
Paul holds a wealth of experience in all aspects of the software industry – especially in terms of acquisitions, investments, development, quality engineering, program management and operations – and has led multi-disciplinary teams on a global basis. He is expert in open source technology, has worked extensively in the fields of cloud computing, networks and data centres, and has earned a track record for delivering outstanding financial results.
Earlier in his career, Paul was General Manager of TWICS, Japan’s first public Internet service provider. In the late 1990s, he led technical operations for the Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), which is one of the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs) responsible for ensuring fair distribution and management of IP addresses and related resources.
With experience in cloud, networks, data centers, and open source globally, Paul has developed specific expertise in the open source technology landscape. As a highly effective manager, he has a proven track record of managing global teams and products whilst delivering outstanding financial results.
Shawn Hakl
Director, MEF
Vice President, 5G Strategy,
Microsoft
Shawn is responsible for building and executing the product strategy and partnerships for Microsoft’s Azure for Operators portfolio. His team works across product, engineering, and sales to help operators execute on the digital transformation of the core and edge networks. Prior to Microsoft, Shawn served at Verizon as the Senior Vice President of Business Product, responsible for a $29B portfolio covering services such as enterprise networking, 4G/5G, cyber security, collaboration and IoT.
Aamir Hussain
Director, MEF
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology & Product Officer,
Liberty Latin America
Aamir was appointed as Chief Technology and Product Officer and Senior Vice President of Liberty Latin America in April 2022.
He is responsible for Liberty Latin America’s Technology & Innovation (T&I) team, driving technology solutions including product development and network performance, and delivering an exceptional customer experience across the company’s multiple markets.
Prior to joining Liberty Latin America, Aamir held multiple senior roles at Verizon Communications, CenturyLink, and Liberty Global. Aamir is a recognized senior digital technology executive with more than 28 years of experience in the implementation of global technology operations, innovation, complex infrastructures, consumer & business solutions, digital transformation, and capital cost efficiencies.
Daniele Mancuso
Director, MEF
Senior Vice President Chief Product Management,
Sparkle
Daniele Mancuso is SVP Chief Product Management at Sparkle, in charge to develop the Group’s entire product portfolio.
In the previous years, he served as Chief Marketing Solutions & Business Development, EVP ICT Engineering and Director Innovation & Engineering.
Daniele brings nearly 30 years of broad commercial and technical experience in building and marketing telecom networks and associated products, both for the wholesale and enterprise markets, spanning from submarine cables to L1/L3 transport services, from Carrier Ethernet to SD-WAN & Multicloud, from wholesale voice to cloud-based unified communication & collaboration platforms and Multimessaging.
During his years of technological leadership Daniele initiated the transformation of Sparkle towards an API-centric Global Service Platform, introducing the pillars of software-defined, virtualized and programmable networks as well as the full commitment of the Company to contribute and follow MEF standards & certification programs, of which he’s a total believer & supporter.
He is frequently invited as speaker at industry events to share his vision, experience and execution challenges.
Daniele holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Catania.
Franck Morales
Secretary, MEF
Senior Vice President, Marketing and Business Development,
Orange Wholesale International
Franck has been appointed in August 2023, as SVP Marketing & Business Development for Orange Wholesale International. In this role Franck oversees developing and managing the full product portfolio from building infrastructures, delivering Bandwidth and IP Services, as well as Voice, Messaging and Roaming Services.
Franck Morales’s 38 years in the industry have centered on the product and marketing, Network Infrastructures and managing strategic industry partnerships, giving him extensive knowledge of the global telecom ecosystem.
From 2013 to 2023, Franck has worked within Orange Business the B2B Division. His focus on product and strategic planning for both fixed and mobile technologies, paved the way for his position, over the last 2 years, of VP Evolution Platform. The aim of this strategic program was on building the future orchestrated cloud-native infrastructure, to ensure the delivery of real business outcomes, with use cases like SASE, Cloud Connectivity, and Cloud Services.
Prior to this role, Franck has led the connectivity portfolio and was instrumental in the company’s global transformation towards SD-WAN, orchestration, and virtualization.
Franck is also MEF Board Director, and a frequent and requested speaker promoting Orange and the MEF at global industry conferences, including MEF Quarterly meetings, SD-WAN Summit and other industry partner events.
In his free time, Franck enjoys traveling, skiing, cycling, in addition to Opera and Theatre, and he will be more than happy to share his knowledge on French wines and gastronomy.
Mike Troiano
Director, MEF
Senior Vice President - Product & Pricing,
AT&T Business
Mike Troiano is the head of AT&T Business products with responsibility for a $30B+ P&L. This includes driving product and monetization strategies, profitability, and roadmaps for fiber and 5G products, as well as network adjacent services such as Security, SD-WAN, Cloud and Edge. Mike and team are focused on serving business customer all sizes, from Small and Medium to Public Sector, and nearly all Fortune 1,000 companies.
Prior to his current role, Mike served as Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Business Development, where he was responsible for driving long-term initiatives for AT&T Communications and AT&T Business.
Mike has held many leadership roles including serving as Vice President of AT&T’s Internet of Things (IoT) and Vice President of AT&T’s Advanced Mobility Solutions organization.
He is based in Dallas, TX with his wife and three daughters.
Bob Victor
Treasurer, MEF
Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions,
Comcast Business
Robert (“Bob”) S. Victor is responsible for the development and lifecycle operations of all Comcast Business products and customer solutions.
Bob joined Comcast in 2008, and in prior roles has served as Senior Vice President of Strategic and Financial Planning for Comcast Corporation and Chief Financial Officer for Comcast Business.
Prior to Comcast, Mr. Victor was a Partner at The Boston Consulting Group.
Mirko Voltolini
Director, MEF
Vice President, Innovation,
Colt Technology Services
Mirko Voltolini is VP Innovation at Colt, responsible for leading the effort to define the long-term strategic product roadmap for Colt, working to identify innovative ideas and technologies to ensure Colt is driving forward as an industry leader.
He is responsible to identify, develop and execute an innovation strategy aligned to Colt strategic business goals, to define and manage the Colt innovation process and the portfolio of innovation development projects, to accelerate the validation of new ideas with partners and customers
Prior to this Mirko was the Head of Network On Demand, responsible for leading the effort to architect and develop the Colt network and product portfolio to deliver an online digital customer experience where customers order, design and manage their network services on demand.
He joined Colt in 2002 and has held several senior leadership roles in the technical development and engineering areas.
Mirko is a member of the Board of Directors of MEF and leads Colt contributions to the definition of MEF standards.
Mirko holds an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Politecnico of Milan.
Dave Ward
Director, MEF
Chief Technology Officer,
Lumen
Dave Ward is Chief Technology Officer for Lumen. In this role, he is responsible for the development, integration and deployment of Lumen’s global network and the disruptive technologies we are deploying to expand the power of our network.
Dave has more than 25 years of experience reinventing and expanding the capabilities of networks and the value they bring to customers. He previously was the CEO of PacketFabric, a rapidly growing networking company that specializes in Network-as-a-Service (NaaS). Under his leadership, it expanded its portfolio and customer base, and grew its network to position the company among the largest network providers on the Internet. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Vice President, CTO-Engineering and Chief Architect at Cisco Systems, and served as a Fellow at both Cisco Systems and Juniper Networks.
Dave holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and graduate degrees from the University of Minnesota.
