American Tower Corporation has announced the appointment of Eugene Noel as its new Global Chief Operating Officer (COO). Effective January 13, 2025, Noel will transition from his current role as EVP and president of ATC’s US Tower division to take on this newly created leadership position.
Responsibilities in the Newly Created Global COO Role
As the new COO, Noel will be responsible for overseeing the global operations and information technology (IT) infrastructure at American Tower. The company’s decision to create this role stems from its ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and streamline business functions. Noel’s leadership will be instrumental in driving the development and integration of advanced technologies across the company’s extensive global network.
Eugene Noel’s Experience and Career at American Tower
Noel joined American Tower in 2011 as Senior VP of the company’s US Tower operations. Over the years, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, being appointed to his most recent role as EVP and president of the US Tower division in 2023. His deep industry expertise, combined with a strong track record of leadership at ATC, positions him well for his new responsibilities.
Before joining American Tower, Noel held significant leadership roles at Sprint Nextel and LightSquared, gaining valuable experience in the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors.
Leadership Transition: Richard Rossi to Succeed Eugene Noel
In a related announcement, American Tower revealed that Richard Rossi, the company’s current Senior VP and General Counsel of US Tower, will take on Noel’s former role as EVP and president of US Tower. Rossi, a veteran of the company since 2001, will begin his new position alongside Noel on January 13, 2025.
Rossi’s extensive experience with American Tower will ensure continuity and strategic growth within the US Tower division. His transition into this role is expected to maintain the company’s strong market position and service quality in the US.
American Tower’s Global Operations and Future Focus
American Tower operates over 226,000 telecommunications assets across 24 countries. The company’s footprint in the US is further expanded by its 28 data centers, a result of its $10.1 billion acquisition of CoreSite in 2021.
As part of its ongoing growth strategy, American Tower aims to leverage its vast network of tower assets to support the deployment of Edge data centers. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader vision to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in telecommunications infrastructure and data services.
CEO Steve Vondran’s Remarks on Leadership Changes
Steve Vondran, President and CEO of American Tower Corporation, commented on the new COO appointment, highlighting its importance in enhancing the company’s ability to deliver top-tier customer service. He emphasized that Noel’s leadership in the global COO role would accelerate the integration of new technologies, helping to optimize operations across the company’s global platform.
“The new COO position will be an important addition to my team, enabling us to deliver our industry-leading customer service even more effectively and efficiently by accelerating the development and application of new technologies and operating capabilities across our global platform,” said Vondran.
The Growing Role of Edge Data Centers in American Tower’s Strategy
American Tower’s strategy includes increasing its presence in the Edge computing sector, where Edge data centers are deployed closer to the end-user to improve network performance and reduce latency. The company is keen on integrating its tower infrastructure with these next-generation data centers, capitalizing on its existing assets and geographic reach.
By tapping into the growing demand for Edge computing, American Tower is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of telecom companies, cloud service providers, and enterprises seeking faster, more reliable data processing capabilities.
FAQ Section
1. Who is Eugene Noel, and what role will he play at American Tower?
Eugene Noel is the newly appointed Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) at American Tower. Starting on January 13, 2025, Noel will oversee the company’s global operations and IT, focusing on improving efficiency and technological integration.
2. What is American Tower’s strategy for Edge data centers?
American Tower plans to leverage its existing tower assets to deploy Edge data centers, aiming to reduce latency and enhance network performance for telecom providers, cloud services, and enterprise customers.
3. How long has Eugene Noel been with American Tower?
Eugene Noel has been with American Tower since 2011, joining as Senior VP of US Tower operations before advancing to EVP and president of the US Tower division in 2023.
4. What other leadership changes were announced by American Tower?
Richard Rossi, who has been with American Tower since 2001, will succeed Eugene Noel as EVP and president of US Tower, effective January 13, 2025.
5. How many data centers does American Tower currently operate?
American Tower operates 28 data centers in the US, following its $10.1 billion acquisition of CoreSite in 2021.
