Edge Data Center Firm Names XO Comms Exec CTO

EdgeConneX, a rapidly growing data center service provider that specializes in edge data centers, has named Don MacNeil, former COO at XO Communications, as CTO, the company announced Monday.

Edge data centers are facilities close to high-population areas where web content providers store copies of their content to serve those areas. Storing content locally improves quality of service for end users and reduces network transport fees for content providers and companies whose infrastructure services they use.

Demand for such services is driven primarily by online video. Over the last two years, EdgeConneX has built data centers in 23 markets in the US and plans expansion into Europe, South America, and more US metros this year, Clint Heiden, the company’s chief commercial officer, said.

Part of MacNeil’s job at EdgeConneX will be driving expansion of the infrastructure to new locations and business verticals. He will also oversee the development of the company’s technology vision, EdgeConneX said in a statement.

MacNeil has been with XO for about 10 years, including as COO since February 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He’s also had a substantial military career. A former US Navy officer with 27 years of service under his belt, he’s worked on development and procurement programs for large weapon systems, research and development, and operations.

MacNeil is not the first former XO employee to join EdgeConneX. Tim Shaheen, the edge data center provider’s VP of business development, is a former XO VP. Chris Flynn, who oversees real estate at EdgeConneX, used to be director of real estate at the telco.