Alcatel-Lucent names new CEO, chairman of the Board of Directors

SEPTEMBER 2, 2008 -- Alcatel-Lucent's (search for Alcatel-Lucent) Board of Directors yesterday approved the appointment of Philippe Camus as the company's non-executive Chairman as of October 1, 2008. Ben Verwaayen is appointed as the company's chief executive officer and will also join the company's Board of Directors. (See "Alcatel-Lucent chairman Serge Tchuruk, CEO Pat Russo to step down.")

According to information released by the company, Philippe Camus, 60, is a French national and a US resident. He was the co-CEO at European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) and managed a large, global business in the high-tech industry. He is co-managing partner of Lagardère, an international media group, and a partner of Evercore Partners, a New York-based investment and advisory firm. 

Ben Verwaayen, 56, is a Dutch national with telecommunications and IT experience spanning many years. He was CEO of BT from February 2002 to June 1, 2008. He was formerly vice-chairman of the management board of Lucent Technologies in the U.S., which he joined in September 1997. Prior to that, he worked with KPN in the Netherlands for nine years as president and managing director of its telecom subsidiary, PTT telecom. Before that, Verwaayen worked for ITT, a predecessor of Alcatel.

"Philippe Camus and Ben Verwaayen are respected and experienced business leaders," claims the Board in a written statement. "Their understanding of this industry with its challenges and opportunities makes them the perfect choice to lead and guide Alcatel-Lucent as it moves into this next stage in its development. Philippe Camus has experience in several high-tech global industries, including the fast-growing media sector, as well as in managing multi-cultural environment," notes the Board. "Ben Verwaayen's years of experience in this industry have given him great insight into Alcatel-Lucent. He also has deep understanding of the industry trends and customer needs and is fully committed to innovation, technological excellence, and unsurpassed customer service."

"Alcatel-Lucent is an undisputed worldwide leader in the telecommunications industry," says Camus of his appointment. "I am looking forward to contributing to the company's strategic positioning in the context of an industry with challenges but also great opportunities. Our top priority with the Board will be to bring full support to Ben Verwaayen in his new mission."

"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," adds Verwaayen. "The company operates in a quickly changing market and therefore is evolving. 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," he contends.

Verwaayen's office will be in the company's headquarters in Paris.

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