LONDON -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced that Tom Regent has been appointed as the new head of AT&T’s business in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Regent, who was most recently global marketing vice president for AT&T’s global operations, brings to the role extensive experience from a variety of sales and management positions in the company both in Europe and in the United States. Based in London, Regent will report to John Finnegan, senior vice president of AT&T Global Sales.

“I am delighted to take on this new responsibility” said Regent. “AT&T in EMEA is an established leader in the provision of global services for multinational customers, and the business in the region is in a robust position and backed by significant investment by the company. The EMEA region is the single largest part of AT&T’s global operations outside the U.S. and combines the challenge of large, well-established markets, such as the U.K., France and Germany, with the dynamic high-growth economies of the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The diversity, opportunity and potential in this region represent a unique prospect, and I intend to ensure that we continue to build upon our formidable resources to continue to meet our customers’ needs.”

John Finnegan, commenting on the appointment, said: “I have known and worked with Tom for many years and have always been impressed by his drive, commitment and customer focus. His experience, market knowledge and leadership qualities make him an excellent choice to lead our business in the region.”

Regent replaces John Slamecka, who has taken up a leadership role as vice president, Global Access Management. In this role, Slamecka will have worldwide responsibility for AT&T’s relationships with carriers outside the U.S. from whom AT&T secures local access lines and will report to Paulino Barros, president, Global Operations for AT&T. Slamecka will remain based in London.

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T)