Ivan G. Seidenberg has been a key figure in the telecommunications world, especially at Verizon Communications. He played a major role in forming Verizon through various mergers, including those with Bell Atlantic and MCI. Seidenberg began his career with a...

Ivan G. Seidenberg has been a key figure in the telecommunications world, especially at Verizon Communications. He played a major role in forming Verizon through various mergers, including those with Bell Atlantic and MCI. Seidenberg began his career with a company that eventually became part of Verizon, climbing up from entry-level positions to CEO. During his time leading Verizon, he was at the forefront of transforming the company into a major player in both wireless and broadband markets. This change helped the company maintain a competitive edge in a challenging industry. Even though his salary reached as high as $2.1 million, Seidenberg was known for his compelling performance-based incentive structure, which emphasized long-term growth over short-term gains. He stepped down as CEO in 2011 but continues to influence Verizon as Chairman of the Board, where he remains focused on long-term value for shareholders. His background in mathematics and an MBA provides a strong analytical basis for his decisions in a fast-paced and tech-driven environment.