Rob Ryan

Rob Ryan (born 1948) is an American businessman and entrepreneur. He is best known as a co-founder and former CEO of Ascend Communications, which was ultimately acquired by Lucent Technologies. Ryan has authored two books with his lessons about startup companies.

Education Raised in the Bronx, New York, Ryan received a scholarship to attend Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969. He married his Cornell classmate, Terry Wehe Ryan the same year.

Career Early career Ryan began his career as a systems analyst with Burroughs Corporation. His final job before founding his first company was a stint at Ungermann-Bass another pioneer in computer networking. and worked there as head of their West Coast division until 1988.

Ryan departed Hayes Micro along with Jennette Symons, Jay Duncanson, and Steven Speckenbach. With $3 million in venture capital funding the four of them founded Aria Communication Inc. in 1989, with Ryan as CEO, to make ISDN equipment.

Recognition 1995 Communications Award Winner (Northern California Region), Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year, Cornell University