XO Communications board of directors has appointed Laura Thomas to lead the company as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Thomas, the companys current chief financial officer, will also retain responsibility for the company’s financial leadership as CFO.

As interim CEO, Thomas will drive the company’s strategic focus on IP and data solutions, focusing on excellence in customer experience while aligning the company’s resources toward continued operational efficiencies.

Thomas has served as XO’s CFO since June 2009. Before that, she was the company’s vice president of finance for nine years. Prior to joining XO, she held executive positions in finance with Concert Communications and MCI.

“I have great confidence in Laura’s ability to position XO for success in the communications marketplace by delivering innovative IP and data solutions across XO’s extensive nationwide network,” said Carl Icahn, XO’s board chairman.

“It is an honor to be selected for this role and to lead XO’s dedicated team of employees. XO is a leader in IP-based communications services, and we will continue to leverage our expertise to deliver the advanced services our customers require,” said Thomas.

Former XO CEO Carl Grivner resigned in April without much explanation, only saying he was pursuing other interests and that leaving to pursue other opportunities is a personal and difficult one.” Grivner has been helping the company through its leadership transition. While revenues were basically flat in 2010, Icahn said last spring that XO has one of the strongest balance sheets in the telecommunications industry with approximately $1 billion in equity and no outstanding debt.” 

XO Communications provides comprehensive IT Infrastructure, managed network and IP communications solutions, including business VoIP.