Fox, 47, has agreed to serve in this position for at least one year and will also remain on the Convergys board. Fox, who has been a Convergys board member since February 2009, succeeds David Dougherty. Dougherty, who led the company for three years, will serve as a consultant to help facilitate a smooth transition.

Fox spent 13 years with Little Rock, Ark.-based Alltel (which was acquired by Verizon in 2008). He held a number of roles with the company before becoming its chief operating officer in 2007. His earlier work included a stint in investment banking at Stephens and Merrill Lynch, and as president of The Circumference Group, a technology and telecommunications consulting and investment firm.

“Jeff Fox is a talented and proven leader with deep expertise and strong operational experience in the telecommunications and technology industries," Philip Odeen, chairman of the board at Convergys, said in a statement. "Having worked with Jeff as a member of our board for the past year, I am confident his values and priorities are closely aligned with the board and our commitment to build a strong Convergys and deliver meaningful, long-term, shareholder value. The board believes we need greater focus on effective execution, revenue growth, and improved profitability. The board also believes now is the right time to have a new leader, and we are extremely pleased Jeff has agreed to lead Convergys.”

“Convergys is a solid company with a strong foundation in global relationship management that delivers excellent value for clients worldwide," Fox said in a statement. "I look forward to working closely with Convergys’ talented management team and employee base to leverage the company’s strengths, provide outstanding service to clients, and enhance value for shareholders."