Search the Internet          Tips

Chandran Quits Nortel after Surgery

Som Chivukula

Clarence J Chandran, once mentioned as a possible successor to president and CEO John Roth at Nortel Networks, left the company last Friday.

Chandran was the chief operating officer of the struggling company, which has cut almost 20,000 jobs in recent months due to slow business.

Just two months ago, Chandran took time off to recover from surgeries resulting from complications from an attack four years ago.

Chandran, who was president of Nortel's Public Carrier Networks Division, was severely stabbed on June 8, 1997, during a break-in while on business in Singapore. He had to undergo back surgery twice in the last few months to recover from the stabbing.

"We regret that Clarence is resigning from the company, but fully understand and support his decision," Roth, who retires next April, said. "We wish him a speedy recovery and success in his future endeavours.

"On behalf of the board of directors and executive team, I want to thank Clarence for his dedication and contributions to Nortel Networks' growth and development which helped make the company the world's leading communications and Internet solutions supplier."

Chandran says the time off will be critical to his recovery.

"I am advised by my doctors that my medical leave of absence, while progressing well, will require more time for me to fully recover, at which time I will resume an active schedule," he said in a statement. "I have concluded that it is simply unfair to the company to extend my absence on these grounds and the responsible course is to step aside."

Chandran assumed the responsibility of COO at Nortel just last June. He has since been one of the key figures mentioned to step in as CEO once Roth retires. But now, it seems Nortel will have to conduct an extensive search.

"Since Clarence is no longer available in our succession planning, I'll be working with our board of directors to undertake a search for my successor," Roth said. "Our priority is to have my successor in place well before I retire to ensure a smooth and orderly transition."

Chandran joined Nortel Networks in 1985 from Bell Canada, where he started his telecommunications career in 1973. From 1990 to 1995, he was president of Nortel Caribbean and Latin America, responsible for Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. He was also the Nortel Networks Group Executive for Asia between November 1997 and October 1999, responsible for all business interests.

In recent months, Nortel has a hard time meeting its own profit and revenue forecasts. Its shares are trading near $14, down nearly 80 per cent since last September.

Earlier report:
Ever on the fast track

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report