SBC Communications Names New President

William Daley, brother of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and former chairman of Al Gore’s presidential campaign, was named president of SBC Communications, the former regional Bell System phone company. Daley will be responsible for strategic planning, regulatory matters, governmental initiatives, external affairs and international affairs.

The hiring of Daley, 53, marks the first time that San Antonio-based SBC has hired such a senior officer from outside its ranks. Daley will report to SBC Chief Executive Edward E. Whitacre Jr. He is SBC’s first president in recent years. A cadre of group presidents had been second in command to Whitacre.