James Lusk was appointed Vice President and Controller of Lucent Technologies in January 1996. He has made significant contributions to the company and has demonstrated extraordinary leadership during the spin-off from AT&T and formation of Lucent Technologies, particularly in changing the culture of the organization after the spin-off. He has earned his role as strategic business partner to management by spotting opportunity and springing into action.

James played a key role in all financial issues relating to Lucent's spin-off from AT&T, which took place on September 30, 1996. When AT&T announced to its shareholders that it was spinning off its equipment manufacturing business, very few people believed that such an enormous task could be achieved in less than one year. Due to his leadership, the largest IPO in U.S. corporate history was accomplished in record time and generated over $3 billion.

With no CFO yet named for the new company, James filled the void and assumed responsibility for the preparation of the financial portion of the prospectus for the IPO and the Roadshow that introduced Lucent's stock to the investment community. He developed and presented the Lucent financial story to the domestic and international investment communities via Roadshows prior to the IPO and spin-off. The incredible success of the IPO was due in no small part to Jim's credibility, his integrity, his thorough knowledge of the business and the confidence he engendered in the minds of the investment community.