Thursday, 4 September 2008

Alcatel-Lucent Names Ben Verwaayen CEO

Alcatel-Lucent made headlines Wednesday, appointing Ben Verwaayen as the company’s chief executive officer.

Verwaayen, a Dutch national, was CEO of BT from February 2002 to June 1, 2008. He joined the management board of Lucent Technologies in the US in September 1997 as vice-chairman.

Verwaayen will be based in the company’s headquarters in Paris, France.

“Alcatel-Lucent has a lot to offer: technological excellence, leading market positions worldwide, in developed as well as emerging countries and a strong customer focus. The company operates in a quickly changing market and therefore is evolving,” said Verwaayen.

“I'm truly delighted to become the CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, leading a company with vast assets and great talents, while recognizing the difficulties and challenges ahead. I am committed to building significant and sustainable value for our shareholders, customers and employees.”

Parallel to this announcement, Alcatel Lucent also announced the appointment of Philippe Camus as the company’s non-executive Chairman as of October 1st, 2008.