Orange Appoints COO

Orange has announced that Sanjiv Ahuja has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Orange Group. Mr. Ahuja most recently had been chief executive officer of Comstellar Technologies, a California company focused on bringing innovative communications technologies to market. He also served as President of Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore), the world's largest provider of operations support systems, network software and consulting and engineering services to the telecommunications industry. Approximately 80 percent of the US telecommunications network relies on Telcordia consulting services and software. Under his guidance, Telcordia expanded into European markets, generated unprecedented revenue and profit growth, and achieved industry-leading software quality and customer satisfaction.

Mr. Ahuja, age 46, will report directly to Orange chief executive officer Sol Trujillo. He will be based in London.

"Sanjiv Ahuja is a world-class senior executive with an exceptional technology background," Mr. Trujillo said. "He has the credentials and experience needed to help us transform Orange into a truly integrated corporate organization. Having worked with Sanjiv when he was at Telcordia, I know that he is an innovator who is passionate about helping companies be the best they can be. He also has the energy and drive to move things forward quickly."

Mr. Ahuja's achievements on the international stage were also recognized by Scott McNealy, Chairman, President and CEO of Sun Microsystems. He developed a strong relationship with Mr. Ahuja through their joint efforts to deliver world-class products and services. "Sanjiv's achievements in the European markets are staggering in terms of delivering cutting-edge innovations. This is a tremendous win for Orange-in Sanjiv, they have a dedicated and focused leader highly capable of driving the company's future success."

Posted to the site on 29th April 2003