Farewell Mike! It was great spending time with you this week!
This message from Mike White is for all DIRECTV employees.
Today we celebrate a transformative milestone with the completion of the AT&T and DIRECTV merger.
This is a tribute to your contributions to building and delivering a premium video experience that touches the lives of nearly 40 million customers across the Americas.
It’s also a tribute to AT&T Chairman Randall Stephenson. When we began exploring this union, we saw vast potential for something bigger than the sum of two great companies. It’s been my privilege to work with Randall and his leadership team.
With the close of this historic deal, I will be retiring from DIRECTV. The new entity that DIRECTV will become as part of AT&T will be in excellent hands, and you’ll hear more details very soon.
I’m fortunate to have been a part of DIRECTV’s most recent chapter. Over the last several years, each of you inspired me with your passion for our customers, your deep knowledge of our business and your constant drive to lead change in our industry.
We’ve transformed the customer experience and created innovative products to make video entertainment more delightful and more accessible anytime, anywhere. Since 2009, we added nearly 15 million customers, increased revenues by 50% and grew earnings per share five-fold.
With all that success, I’m equally proud of accolades earned for our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve. Honors like the Civic 50 and ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year don’t come easily.
Your hard work has made this possible and you will continue to make history. Now part of the AT&T family, DIRECTV will have even more growth opportunities with simple, integrated packages of video, mobile and broadband services. The organization will be better positioned than ever to keep winning in the marketplace by offering customers more choice and more convenience. And the focus will continue on giving back to the community and improving sustainability.
Thank you for making my DIRECTV experience so special. It’s been my privilege and I’ve learned so much from working with you. I look forward to watching you transform what TV means to the world.
Mike
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