Alcatel-Lucent Appoints Michel Combes as CEO

02/22/2013| 02:15am US/Eastern

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   By Nadya Masidlover 
 

PARIS--Telecom-equipment maker Alcatel-Lucent (>> Alcatel Lucent SA) said Friday that it has appointed Michel Combes, former head of Vodafone PLC's European operations, as Chief Executive.

In a statement, the company said the appointment will be effective from April 1, adding that Mr. Combes will also join the company's board of directors, subject to the approval of shareholders at the annual general meeting in May.

The move comes after Alcatel-Lucent announced earlier this month that Ben Verwaayen would step down as chief executive, following a tumultuous run of under five years in which the telecom-gear company racked up billions of euros in losses.

On Friday, board Chairman Philippe Camus said in a statement that incoming Mr. Combes "will be responsible for delivering sustainable profitability. His deep knowledge of the industry as well as his experience of major business and financial transformation at a worldwide level will be pivotal in helping the company pursue its aggressive transformation."

Mr. Combes, 51, held the position of Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Europe and was a board member of Vodafone PLC (>> Vodafone Group plc), Alcatel-Lucent said.

He also held the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Senior Executive Vice President of France Telecom (>> France Telecom SA).

Alcatel-Lucent said directors also approved the appointment of Jean C. Monty--former chairman of the board and Chief Executive Officer of Bell Canada Enterprises--as Vice-Chairman of its board, effective immediately.

Write to Nadya Masidlover at nadya.masidlover@dowjones.com

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