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Telecommunications industry

Ameritech Appoints New President of Network Services Unit

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Thomas E. Richards, a seasoned telecommunications executive with Bell Atlantic, has joined Ameritech as president of its network services unit, replacing Gary G. Drook, who is retiring. Richards will oversee the management and operation of Ameritech's five-state communications network, providing technical and operations support to the company's extensive customer base. With over 36,000 employees, network services is the largest of Ameritech's business units, serving more than 18.6 million customer lines. The appointment comes as Ameritech continues to expand its services and presence globally, with cellular interests in China, Norway, and Poland, and ownership interests in telephone companies in New Zealand and Hungary.

Key Takeaways:

  • Thomas E. Richards joins Ameritech as president of its network services unit, replacing Gary G. Drook.
  • Richards has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, with his most recent role as vice president of Network Operations for Bell Atlantic.
  • Network services is the largest of Ameritech's business units, employing over 36,000 people and serving more than 18.6 million customer lines.
  • Richards brings a customer-focused approach, technical competence, and leadership skills to his new role at Ameritech.
  • Gary Drook, who is retiring, is credited with contributing to the transformation of Ameritech and has been a valuable asset to the company.
  • Ameritech serves over 13 million customers across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, providing a range of local phone, data, and video services.
  • The company is creating new information, entertainment, and interactive services for homes, businesses, and governments worldwide.
  • Ameritech has cellular interests in China, Norway, and Poland, and owns interests in telephone companies in New Zealand and Hungary.
  • The company's stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIT.

Statistics:

  • Ameritech's network services unit employs over 36,000 people.
  • The unit serves more than 18.6 million customer lines.
  • Thomas E. Richards has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.
  • Bell Atlantic, Richards' previous employer, serves 4.8 million customer lines in central and western Pennsylvania, southern Virginia, and West Virginia.
  • Ameritech serves over 13 million customers across five states.
  • The company's cellular business has over 1.5 million cellular customers and 700,000 paging customers.
  • Ameritech owns interests in telephone companies in New Zealand and Hungary and in business directories in Germany and other countries.
  • Nearly 1 million investors hold Ameritech stock (NYSE: AIT).

Sources:

  • Ameritech, "Thomas E. Richards Joins Ameritech as President of Network Services Unit" (PR Newswire, October 3, 1995)
  • Bell Atlantic, "Thomas E. Richards Named Vice President of Network Operations" (no date provided)
  • University of Pittsburgh, "Alumni Profile: Thomas E. Richards" (no date provided)
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, "Alumni Profile: Thomas E. Richards" (no date provided)

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