Who is John Zeglis and why is a lawyer on AT&T's short list?
Article Abstract:
AT&T Vice Chmn and Operating Chief John D. Zeglis has positioned himself as the sole viable inside candidate under consideration by directors to succeed outgoing Chmn and CEO Robert E. Allen. Prominent outsiders are also competing for the position, as AT&T prepares for a global future that will include fierce competition from Baby Bells and annual capital spending budgets that likely will total more than $10 billion. Some industry observers criticize Zeglis, the former AT&T general counsel, for failing to win more favorable terms for AT&T in recent telecommunications legislation such as the new Telecommunications Act. Others question Zeglis' lack of experience in leading a company. The 50-year-old Zeglis holds an advantage by knowing more about regulation, since he devised the 1982 Bell system divestiture, plus the 1995 spinoff of Lucent Technologies and NCR. Zeglis could break precedent by moving up from general counsel to CEO because of his intelligence, connections and business relationship with Allen.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Bell's curve; a telecom novice is handed challenge of remaking AT&T; company surprises everyone by tapping printer chief as Bob Allen's successor; found in the Yellow Pages
Article Abstract:
AT&T's choice of John R. Walter as its new Pres and CEO has surprised industry analysts. Walter is currently the chairman of printer R.R. Donnelley and Sons. He will assume the second position at AT&T until Chmn Robert E. Allen retires in Jan 1998, two years before expected. The apprenticeship will enable Walter to study the company's problems, which include an inflated bureaucracy, management infighting, poor morale and ineffective marketing. Analysts believe the company needs revamping and that Allen's decade of restructuring and downsizing has been a failure. The company's computer and equipment spinoffs are thriving, while AT&T is apparently a rudderless ship. Walter is known as a charismatic manager who is both dynamic and visionary. His task will be to make AT&T's parts work together and to develop an effective marketing strategy. Investor reaction to Walter's appointment has been less than enthusiastic.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
AT&T's cuts are just the first shot in telecom wars; industry is facing heavy layoffs, stiff competition and huge spending
Article Abstract:
The proposed telecommunications deregulation bill pending in Congress could spark a massive restructuring of the telecommunications industry if it becomes law. The telecommunications law would allow long-distance providers such as AT and T, the seven Baby Bell local service providers and cable companies to compete in each other's markets. This massive change will bring down the regulatory barriers that have created local monopolies for the Baby Bells and a three-way oligopoly for AT and T, MCI and Sprint in the long-distance market. AT and T signalled that it is preparing to face the challenges of the new competitive environment by cutting its workforce by 40,000 employees. It also plans to invest heavily in new wireless and local service markets. The new environment will also spark a massive restructuring as companies scramble to stay competitive by merging and forming alliances.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: