Former Global Crossing CEO to lead T-Mobile USA
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Former Global Crossing CEO to lead T-Mobile USA

The former CEO of Global Crossing, John Legere, has been appointed by Deutsche Telekom to head its T-Mobile unit in the US.

The unexpected appointment comes as T-Mobile looks to breathe life into its US business after an unsuccessful $39 billion bid by AT&T last year to acquire the company.

Legere, who will take the reins on September 22, succeeds interim CEO and COO, Jim Alling. Deutsche cited Legere’s experience in transforming Global Crossing as the reason for hiring the 54-year-old telecoms veteran.

“John is a talented and proven executive who brings a successful track record of leading and operating consumer- and business-focussed telecommunications and technology companies,” said René Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom.

“As T-Mobile moves forward with its strategic initiatives to improve its market position, including expanding its network coverage and initiating LTE service, John has obviously the right skillset to lead the business into the future.”

Legere faces the challenge of establishing LTE subscriber market share, with T-Mobile having begun its LTE roll-out behind rivals Verizon and AT&T. He will also have to find a solution to the company’s limited spectrum holdings, which may involve partnering with another operator.

Before joining Global Crossing, Legere was CEO of Microsoft, Softbank and Global Crossing JV, Asia Global Crossing. He has also served at Dell Computer Corporation as president of EMEA operations and the Asia-Pacific region, and has held positions at AT&T.

The appointment comes almost a year after the completion of the Level 3/Global Crossing merger, which led to Legere's departure.

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