AT&T Mobile Phone Chief Retires

SAN ANTONIO – Stan Sigman, the president and chief executive of AT&T Inc.’s mobile phone business, announced Thursday that he is retiring after 42 years with the company.

Ralph de la Vega will replace Sigman, effective immediately, though Sigman will assist with the transition through the end of the year, San Antonio-based AT&T said.

Sigman began his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone as a stockman in 1965. He stayed with the company as it grew from the smallest Baby Bell to the nation’s largest telecommunications company through a series of aggressive acquisitions.

AT&T’s wireless unit, which was rebranded from Cingular Wireless earlier this year, is the nation’s largest wireless provider.

De la Vega, who is being promoted from group president of the regional telecom and entertainment unit, previously served as the chief operating officer for the wireless business from 2004 to 2006.

John Stankey, the president of operations support, will take over the regional telecom operation.

In June, longtime AT&T Chief Executive Officer Edward Whitacre Jr. retired and was replaced by Randall Stephenson.

AT&T completed its $86 billion acquisition of BellSouth late last year.