It’s the Network

An Interview with Ivan G. Seidenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Offi cer, Communications Inc.

EDITORS’ NOTE Ivan Seidenberg’s powerful networks and millions of di- the social impact of our business into every de- 40-year career has encompassed nu- rect customer connections, verizon is at cision we make, which is vital when your busi- merous operations and engineering the center of what we think is the most ness touches as many lives and reaches as many assignments in the telecommuni- exciting growth industry of the century. communities as ours does. cations industry, including lead- How do you defi ne what makes a particular area of focus for verizon is us- ership positions at AT&T, NYNEX, Verizon unique? ing information technology to address big so- and Bell Atlantic. He was ap- to put it simply, it’s the network. cial issues like education, energy conservation, pointed sole CEO of Verizon in we believe that having the best net- and health care. we have an award-winning April 2002 and became Chairman works is key to being the best com- online educational resource called thinkfi nity. of the Board in January 2004. In munications company, so we continue org; we’re showing how greater use of broad- 2007, Seidenberg was named to the to differentiate through network qual- band can create a greener, cleaner world; and National Security Telecommunications ity. our reliable wireless network has we’re leading the push for electronic records to Advisory Committee. In 2008, he be- Ivan G. Seidenberg long been a source of industry-leading transform the health care system in america. in came chairman of the Business customer loyalty, and we have ex- addition to the $70 million our foundation con- Roundtable’s Health and Retirement Task Force. tended this competitive edge into the wireless tributes annually to improve the communities He also serves on the board of directors of the New data arena with our nationwide third-generation we serve, our 230,000 employees have contrib- York Presbyterian Hospital, The New York Hall data network. we’re building the fastest, most uted more than three million hours since 2000, of Science, the Paley Center for Media (formerly advanced fi ber network in the country, which and in 2007 alone, they made more than $25 the Museum of Television and Radio), and Pace delivers internet connection speeds and high- million in contributions and matching gifts to University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in math- defi nition video quality that none of our com- charities and nonprofi ts in our communities. ematics from City University of New York and a petitors can match. verizon also operates an How do companies benefi t from being master’s degree in business administration and expansive global ip network for carrying digital based in New York? marketing from (New York). cargo, and we are steadily expanding its speed new york is a great place to operate for and reach throughout the world. many reasons. in a global economy, new york COMPANY BRIEF Based in New York, Verizon these great networks give us the founda- remains an international city. it has the highest Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ; www. verizon. tion on which we can innovate and grow. but to percentage of Fortune 500 companies. there’s com) is a leader in delivering broadband and be the best in our industry, we have to deliver also ready access to top talent, think tanks, uni- other wireline and wireless communications ser- the benefi ts of all this technology to the millions versities, and transportation. vices to mass market, business, government, and of customers who rely on us for service. think is really where communica- wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless serves about the range of digital devices, experiences, tions, information, and entertainment intersect, nearly 69 million customers across the United networks, and services you juggle over the course literally and fi guratively. For verizon, that means States, while delivers innova- of an average day. multiply that by those of your it’s a great market. and as we bring video com- tive business solutions to customers around the family, your friends, your coworkers, and your petition to the city over our Fios network, we world, and Verizon Telecom provides converged online communities and you have a digital envi- think we’ll be great for new york too. communications, information, and entertain- ronment whose complexity is increasing expo- What are your key priorities for Verizon ment services over an advanced fi ber-optic net- nentially. that’s why we’re focused on helping as you look to the future? work. Verizon was formed in 2000 upon the customers manage their digital lives – anytime, in an industry that moves as fast as ours merger of Bell Atlantic and GTE. anywhere, on any device – and delivering the does, there’s always a new technology, a new unique verizon experience that creates loyal competitor, or a new idea coming around the How broad is Verizon’s range of services, customers and a competitive advantage. bend to challenge us and raise the bar for suc- and what is your outlook for growth? How important is community involve- cess. the good news is that every cycle of verizon is a leader in delivering broadband ment to the culture of Verizon? change reaffi rms the central role our services and wireless communications to consumers, busi- corporate responsibility has become an im- play in the lives of our customers. nesses, government, and wholesale customers in portant part of how companies are viewed. at my focus is on running a great company. the u.s. and, increasingly, around the world. we verizon, that tradition dates back more than a that means continuing to grow, innovate, and have almost 69 million wireless customers, 8.3 century and a quarter. the belief that what we do provide great service. it means building an envi- million broadband connections, and more than benefi ts society is at the heart of our culture. but ronment where employees can realize their po- 38 million residential and business customers in to be really meaningful, corporate responsibility tential and contribute to society. and it means more than 150 countries worldwide. has to be more than a feel-good campaign to rewarding our shareowners’ faith in us by turning we’re excited about the future. the give money to good causes. you have to be stra- their investment into something of lasting value. global economy is increasingly interconnected. tegic. at verizon, we manage corporate respon- if we do all that, i’m confi dent that verizon will innovations like wireless data, machine-to- sibility with clear goals, a disciplined process, be around for a good long time.• machine communications, and interactive video and a focus on results. our culture of corporate will continue to drive growth in the future. with responsibility also embeds a consciousness of A Verizon Experience demo bar 42 Leaders posted with permission. copyright © 2008 leaders magazine, inc. volume 31, number 4