MURRAY HILL, N.J. -- Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) today announced that John DeBono will join the company as investor relations vice president, effective immediately. DeBono, who had held the same position previously, replaces MaryAnn Niebojeski, who will be retiring at the end of January.

"I am pleased to welcome John back to Lucent," said Lucent Technologies Chief Financial Officer Frank D'Amelio. "John has played an integral leadership role in building highly respected investor relations programs at both Lucent and our spin-off Agere Systems. He returns to us with an even greater wealth of knowledge and experience that will continue to strengthen our relationships with the investment community and shareowners.

"As we welcome back John, we also thank MaryAnn for her leadership and dedication over the last year," added D'Amelio. "MaryAnn has refined and executed Lucent's global investor relations strategy over the last year, including an increased focus on communication programs with the financial community. We wish her well as she re- enters retirement."

Most recently, DeBono served as investor relations vice president for Agere Systems, where he helped launch its initial public offering (IPO) in April 2001 and subsequent spin-off from Lucent. At Agere, John built a comprehensive investor relations program, forged strong relationships with the investment community and coordinated all shareholder relations programs.

Prior to moving with Agere, DeBono spent 20 years with Lucent Technologies and AT&T. He was named investor relations vice president of Lucent in May 1999, responsible for coordinating all shareholder relations programs for the company's institutional and individual investors. From February 1996 to May 1999, he served as managing director of investor relations, where he was responsible for Lucent's institutional shareholder communications. During that time, he also was involved in major initiatives to establish Lucent's reputation and brand on Wall Street and in financial markets worldwide.

Lucent Technologies Inc.