AT&T Appoints Senior Wireless Executive to Lead New Emerging Devices Organization

AT&T has announced that Glenn Lurie, formerly the president of National Distribution for AT&T Mobility, has been appointed to lead AT&T's initiative to introduce wireless capabilities into a wide variety of emerging wireless devices beyond the traditional handset.

"Glenn has a solid track record of energetic and dynamic leadership, strategic development and driving results," said Ralph de la Vega, chief executive officer-AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "He led the negotiations with Apple that made the iPhone exclusive to AT&T in the U.S., and in this expanded role, he will continue to find more innovative devices and applications to run on AT&T's networks."

The new organization is a key component of AT&T's business strategy to further grow its wireless penetration and develop new distribution models - and it builds on AT&T's work with enterprise customers to enable specialty devices to access its wireless network. AT&T expects many of the electronic devices that consumers and businesses use today will be enhanced with wireless connectivity.

"High speed wireless broadband service can enhance a huge variety of gadgets, including many consumer electronics such as personal computers and laptops, GPS systems and digital cameras," said Lurie. "There is also a host of exciting new applications - from social networking to navigation to location-based solutions - being developed that will rely on wireless connectivity."

This connectivity will be made possible through AT&T's 3G wireless network.

In addition, with 2,000 company-owned retail stores and agreements with Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Costco and RadioShack, as well as multiple resale relationships, AT&T will also be able to offer widespread distribution options to electronic manufacturers.

Lurie, who also manages AT&T's presence with national retailers and resellers, says those relationships will help spur growth. "Once we select a new emerging device, we can then work with our partner to decide on the best distribution channels to sell it," he said. "This will be a win-win-win situation for our retail and resale relationships, for AT&T and, most importantly, for customers."

Posted to the site on 15th October 2008