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Five9, Inc., a provider of the Intelligent CX Platform, announced on September 30, 2025, the appointment of Sudhakar Ramakrishna to its Board of Directors, effective September 26, 2025. Concurrently, the company reported the retirement of Lead Independent Director David Welsh after over 14 years of service. As per the finance card above, Five9’s stock closed at $24.06 with a market cap of $1.87 billion on October 1, 2025.
Sudhakar Ramakrishna joins as Class II director, term expiring in 2028.
Ramakrishna brings 25 years of expertise in cybersecurity and enterprise software.
David Welsh retires after 14 years as Lead Independent Director.
Robert Zollars appointed new Lead Independent Director.
Ramakrishna joins the Nominating and Governance Committee.
Five9 serves 3,000+ customers with AI-driven CX solutions.
Sudhakar Ramakrishna, CEO and President of SolarWinds Corporation, brings nearly 25 years of leadership in cybersecurity, enterprise software, and IT infrastructure. At SolarWinds, he has driven significant technology and cybersecurity transformations. “Sudhakar brings a rare blend of enterprise software leadership, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure expertise,” said Mike Burkland, Chairman and CEO of Five9. His role as a Class II director, with a term until the 2028 stockholder meeting, and membership in the Nominating and Governance Committee will bolster Five9’s focus on secure, AI-driven customer experiences.
David Welsh, who joined Five9’s Board in January 2011, retired on September 26, 2025, after serving as Lead Independent Director and chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. His resignation was not due to disagreements with the company. “His strategic input and thoughtful guidance have been tremendously valuable,” Burkland noted. Robert Zollars has been appointed as the new Lead Independent Director, with Jonathan Mariner as chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and Michael Burdiek as chair of the Compensation Committee.
Ramakrishna’s expertise aligns with Five9’s mission to deliver hyper-personalized, AI-driven customer experiences for its 3,000+ customers and 1,400+ global partners. His background will support Five9’s growth in scaling secure, AI-powered platforms amid a competitive CX market. The leadership transition ensures continuity, with Zollars’ appointment maintaining strong governance.
Five9 empowers organizations to create hyper-personalized and effortless AI-driven customer experiences that deliver better business outcomes. Powered by Five9 Genius AI and our people, the Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is trusted by 3,000+ customers and 1,400+ partners globally. The New CX starts here, and it’s at the heart of every winning experience.
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