[H. Brian Thompson Joins Board of Directors for Williams Communications]
(Precursor to a GTSG/WCG partnership? -- mark)
TULSA, Okla., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- H. Brian Thompson, a global leader in the telecommunications industry, will be appointed as an independent director on the board of directors of Williams Communications Group, Inc., concurrent with the company's previously announced initial public offering. Williams Communications is a unit of Williams (NYSE:WMB).
Thompson is one of two outside directors appointed to the board of Williams Communications. Earlier, Roy Wilkens was appointed non-executive chairman of the board. Wilkens was the founding president of WilTel, a predecessor of Williams Communications.
"I am convinced that Williams Communications will be a key factor in shaping the evolution of telecommunications across the world. Based on its growing position in the United States, Latin America and Australia, Williams will undoubtedly lead the way in enhanced broadband networking and enterprise solutions," Thompson said.
He has been instrumental in the rise of competitive telecommunications both in the U.S. and abroad.
Thompson has been chairman and chief executive officer of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., based in McLean, Va., since March 1999. From January to March 1999, he served as non-executive chairman of Telecom Eireann, Ireland's incumbent telephone company. He also served on the board of Comcast UK Cable Partners Limited and is a former chairman of the U.S. Competitive Telecommunications Association (CompTel).
Thompson had been vice chairman of Qwest Communications International, Inc. from June 1998 until January, following its merger with LCI International. He was chairman and chief executive officer of LCI from 1991 to June 1998. He was executive vice president of MCI Communications Corporation where he served from 1981 to 1990.
Prior to joining MCI, Thompson was a management consultant for nine years with the Washington, D.C., offices of McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in management of telecommunications and technology enterprises.
Thompson also is a member of the boards of directors of Bell Canada International, Inc. and a member of the management committee of Paging Brazil Holding Co., LLC. He is co-chairman of the Global Information Infrastructure Commission and served as chairman of the Advisory Committee for Telecommunications for Ireland's Department of Public Enterprise.
"Brian brings an incredible breadth of experience to the Williams Communications board. He's been a valued customer of our network in the past, and we look forward to his new involvement," said Keith Bailey, chairman, president and CEO of Williams.
"Having Brian Thompson on our board will add a diverse perspective to our policy-making body," said Howard Janzen, president and CEO of Williams Communications. "Brian's global insight will be invaluable as we capitalize on opportunities in today's rapidly changing business environment." |
