Bell Atlantic Corp. elevated senior executives James G. Cullen and Lawrence T. Babbio Jr. to the newly created ranks of vice chairmen yesterday, setting up an apparent two-way race to eventually succeed Chief Executive Raymond W. Smith.
Neither Mr. Cullen, 52, nor Mr. Babbio, 50, is likely to move up soon. Mr. Smith, 57, is eight years away from Bell Atlantic's mandatory retirement age of 65 and shows no desire for an early departure.
Until yesterday, Mr. Cullen had held the rank of president, while Mr. Babbio was executive vice president and chief operating officer. The company said yesterday that both men will join the corporation's board of directors, along with William O. Albertini, 51, Bell Atlantic's chief financial officer, who added the title of executive vice president yesterday.
The company said Mr. Cullen would oversee the company's marketing efforts, strategic planning and government relations. Mr. Babbio will be in charge of Bell Atlantic's operations, both wired and wireless, including the deployment of the company's planned video network.