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Paris, September 2, 2008 – Alcatel-Lucent’s Board of Directors
(Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) yesterday approved the appointment of Philippe
Camus as the company’s non-executive Chairman as of October 1st,
2008. Ben Verwaayen is appointed as the company’s chief executive
officer. Ben will also join the company’s Board of Directors.
Philippe Camus, 60 is a French national and a US resident. He is a
seasoned business leader whose international experience spans several
industries. 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 and has intensive telecommunications
and IT experience spanning many years. He was CEO of BT from February 2002 to
June 1, 2008. Ben was formerly vice-chairman of the management board of Lucent
Technologies in the US, 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, Ben worked
for ITT, a predecessor of Alcatel.
“Philippe Camus and Ben Verwaayen are respected and experienced business
leaders. Their understanding of this industry with its challenges and
opportunities make them the perfect choice to lead and guide Alcatel-Lucent as
it moves into this next stage in its development,” said the Board in a written
statement. “Philippe Camus has experience in several high-tech global
industries, including the fast-growing media sector, as well as in managing
multi-cultural environment. 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.”
Commenting on his appointment, Philippe Camus said: “Alcatel-Lucent is an
undisputed worldwide leader in the telecommunications industry. 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.”
Ben Verwaayen added: “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. 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.”
Ben Verwaayen’s office will be in the company’s headquarters in Paris.
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