DENVER, Sept.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that its board of directors has appointed Patricia F. Russo, 56, a director of the company effective immediately. Ms.

By Anonymous Alcatel-Lucent last week picked veteran telecommunications executive Ben Verwaayen as its CEO to replace Patricia Russo. Verwaayen, 56, worked for Lucent for five years beginning in 1997. He was vice chairman of its management board before he left to become CEO of the BT Group.

By Daks, Martin C Former New Jersey resident Pat Russo will step down by year-end as chief executive officer of Alcatel-Lucent according to an announcement last week by the Paris-based telecommunications equipment company And Serge Tchuruk, AlcatelLucent's non-executive chairman, will resign Oct 1.

Mr Verwaayen, who takes on his new role with immediate effect, will be hoping to match his success at BT, where he worked as chief executive for six years and earned praise for leading a recovery in the UK company's fortunes.The Dutchman, who left BT in June, will take on the role previously held by chief executive Patricia Russo.