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Conduent Inc. announced this week Clifford Skelton will serve as interim chief executive officer for the digital company.

Skelton, who was appointed president and chief operating officer for Florham Park-based Conduent in May of this year, was also named to the company’s board of directors.

Prior to Skelton’s appointment in the spring, CEO Ashok Vemuri announced he would step down from his role as lead executive and a member of the board of directors. At that time, Vemuri said he would stay on until a successor had been appointed for his vacated role.

The company anticipated a decision on Vemuri’s replacement would come by the third quarter of 2019. However, following his departure, effective Aug. 6, the special committee of the board leading the search said it suspended its work for the time-being.

Board Chairman Courtney Mather said the board was “pleased” to have Skelton in the position. “Given his experience, I am confident that he will provide invaluable guidance on both strategic and operational matters,” she said.

Skelton’s appointment was effective Aug. 6.

“This is an important time at Conduent and the team is committed to leveraging our strong platforms, client relationships and employee talent to drive change,” he said in a prepared statement. “I will work alongside the rest of the Conduent executive team and our board to help drive progress in the next phase of the company’s transformation. I am pleased to take on this important challenge.”