Bruce Gordon Retires From Verizon

NEW YORK -- Bruce Gordon, president of Retail Markets in Verizon's Domestic Telecom unit, has announced his retirement from the company, effective December 31, capping a 35-year career. As head of Retail Markets, Gordon, 57, is responsible for the company's consumer and small-business sales and marketing units, Verizon Online and DSL sales and marketing, as well as corporate advertising and brand management.

"Bruce's outstanding marketing and leadership skills have had an enormous impact on this business," said Larry Babbio, president of Domestic Telecom. "He has led the introduction of innovative bundles and packages to the mass market, while, at the same time, building the number one brand in communications. He's made lasting contributions to this company, and, more importantly, to the lives of countless people with whom he's worked over the years."

Gordon began his career in 1968 at Bell of Pennsylvania as a management trainee in the Consumer Sales organization. He advanced through assignments in Personnel, Operations and Sales and Marketing, and at the time of the Bell Atlantic/GTE merger in July 2000, he was named president of the Retail Markets Group. Gordon also has been a leader in many community and non-profit organizations, including serving on the board of the Executive Leadership Council, the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Lincoln Center and the Advertising Council Inc.

In July 2002, Fortune magazine named Gordon to its "50 Most Powerful Black Executives" list, and he was previously listed in Black Enterprise magazine as "1998 Executive of the Year." He is a member of the board of Office Depot, The Southern Company, Bartech Personnel Services and Tyco International Ltd.

Verizon Communications Inc.