TORONTO -- Nortel (NYSE:NT) (TSX:NT) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Zafirovski today announced the appointment of David Drinkwater as Chief Legal Officer effective December 19, 2005.

"With his international experience and skills in telecommunications, securities, and mergers and acquisitions, David will be a huge asset for Nortel," said Zafirovski. "He is highly regarded in legal and business circles for motivating best-in-class teams, recognizing growth opportunities and his outstanding record on execution."

Drinkwater's background includes working both as a partner in a top-tier law firm and with world-class businesses such as Bell Canada, where he served as group vice president, Law and General Counsel. He will lead the Nortel legal department leveraging his many years of experience in advising multi-national companies and his deep understanding of the telecommunications marketplace, opportunities and challenges.

A Toronto native, Drinkwater previously worked as the Executive Assistant to the Chair of the Ontario Securities Commission, and at one time he was considered a top candidate to lead the Commission. He also previously led the Corporate Development and Legal Affairs team at Ontario Power Generation and served as their Chief Financial Officer.

Drinkwater will report directly to the President and CEO, and will be based at the Company's headquarters location.

Nortel Networks Ltd.