Alcatel-Lucent has named Stephen Carter its Chief Marketing, Strategy & Communication Officer. Carter captured attention in June 2009, when as communications minister in the UK, he presented the Digital Britain plan. Aimed at reducing the 'digital divide', the plan targeted the third of the population not served by the broadband plans of BT or Virgin Media. To help finance improved broadband access, he proposed a tax of 50 pence per fixed line.

After the appointment of Ben Verwaayen as CEO, this is another surprising nomination. Alcatel-Lucent is adding a prominent figure to its organisation, who has shown an ability to keep the the broadband debate afloat from a technology-neutral perspective and develop original ideas (such as the broadband tax). Combined with his broad work experience, from Ofcom to advertising agency J Walter Thompson, Carter represents a big win for the company's management board.

source:C114