CSG Systems said CEO Peter Kalan has announced plans to retire on Jan. 1, 2016, and that the billing and customer care company has tapped Bret Griess, CSG’s current president and COO, to succeed him.
Griess, 47, will also be appointed to the CSG board effective January 1. He’s been with CSG for more than 19 years, and currently oversees the company’s global sales, operations and delivery, client relationships, product development and management.
Kalan (pictured), 56, has served as CSG CEO and president since December 2007. Kalan joined CSG in January 1997.
CSG’s customers include AT&T, Comcast, Dish Network, Orange, Reliance, SingTel Optus, Telecom New Zealand, Telefonica, Time Warner Cable, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone, among others. Of recent note, Colorado-based CSG struck an extended deal with Charter Communications that covers residential billing, customer care services and its new digitally-focused Ascendon platform, through December 2019.
“On behalf of the CSG Board of Directors, I am extremely grateful to Peter for his outstanding leadership,” said Don Reed, chairman of CSG’s board, in a statement. “Under Peter’s leadership, CSG has become the leading business support solutions provider in the North American cable and satellite markets, expanded our presence internationally, invested in next generation solutions aimed at the changing video landscape, and groomed the next generation of CSG leaders to build upon this legacy. Bret’s appointment as chief executive officer by the board is the result of a robust succession planning process and the confidence that we have in this management team to continue to drive long-term shareholder value as has been done under Peter’s leadership.”
“I am honored to have worked with such a committed and dedicated group of employees,” Kalan added. “Over the years, I’m very proud of the work that we have done to enable our clients to compete in an extremely challenging and dynamic environment. This could not have been accomplished without an active and engaged board of directors and a highly qualified and talented executive team. Bret and his teams have played an integral role towards transforming our company into a trusted partner to the world’s leading communications providers. I am leaving the company in good hands with Bret and this broad and deep bench of experienced leaders within the company.”
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead CSG at this exciting moment in our history,” said Griess. “I look forward to working with the board, our customers, our leadership team and our highly talented employees as we continue to enhance our competitive position in the markets we serve, execute on our strategic plan and continue to deliver strong results benefitting our shareholders, customers, employees and communities in which we operate.”
