WorldCom Followers Hear Bells in Capellas Talk

Ringing Endorsement

Meanwhile, it wasn't long ago that Capellas would have appeared a long shot for a trip to Clinton, Miss. Capellas' career path started in the steel industry before taking him into the oil business and then to software at Oracle (ORCL Quote). Four years ago he took up the reins at computer maker Compaq as its chief information officer. Observers note that he brings one key accomplishment that makes him a good fit at WorldCom -- he has done a big merger.

Capellas was later CEO of Compaq, which merged with Hewlett-Packard earlier this year. But Capellas was passed over for the top job at the combined company in favor of H-P chief Carly Fiorina, despite his reputation as a strong operating presence.

Going by what some investors are saying, maybe Capellas is the right person to get the phone industry over its merger hangup.

---

Check out my new and improved The Tech Edge newsletter. The new Tech Edge provides you with exclusive access to my investigative reports each week as well as real-time portfolio picks from Jordan Kahn, CFA, a new contributor to my newsletter. Click here for a 14-day free trial.