Tom Bartlett, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of the Board of Directors of American Tower Corporation, will retire from his positions effective February 1, 2024.
The announcement was made by the company earlier today. The Board of Directors has named Steve Vondran as Bartlett’s successor, who will take over as President and Chief Executive Officer and be appointed as a director of the Board. The decision was made after a thorough succession planning process that took place over the last few years.
To facilitate the transition, Mr. Vondran will serve as the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Operating Officer from November 1, 2023, until February 1, 2024.
Mr. Vondran has been with American Tower since 2000 and has held various leadership positions, including Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the U.S. Tower Division.
Under his leadership, the U.S. and Canada business has become a market leader with nearly 43,000 sites and a strong data centre platform across 10 U.S. markets. The U.S. and Canada businesses generated approximately $5.8 billion in property revenue in 2022, a significant increase since 2010.
Eugene Noel, the current Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Tower Division, will take over as the new Executive Vice President and President of the U.S. Tower Division on November 1, 2023. Mr. Noel has over 25 years of experience in wireless real estate development and operations, including previous leadership roles at Sprint Nextel and LightSquared.
Mr. Bartlett who joined American Tower in 2009 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer became the Chief Executive Officer and director of the Board in 2020.
Under his leadership, American Tower expanded its operations in over 20 markets, achieved Investment Grade credit status with major rating agencies, and successfully converted into a real estate investment trust (REIT).
The company also delivered cumulative total shareholder returns exceeding 500%. During his tenure as CEO, American Tower strategically grew its European business by acquiring Telxius Towers and advanced its data centre platform and edge strategy by acquiring CoreSite Realty Corporation.
Additionally, the company made significant progress in its sustainability program by expanding its Digital Communities program, investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, and promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Steve Vondran expressed his honor in leading the company and thanked Tom for his leadership and partnership. He looks forward to continuing the company’s growth and success in the evolving telecommunications industry.
