Kapoor out as AT&T public sector leader

AT&T's government business has gone through a major shakeup with the departure of Kay Kapoor, the executive behind a some of the unit's biggest contract wins.

The company has appointed Xavier Williams to lead its nearly $15 billion global public sector business. Williams is an AT&T veteran and more recently was president of business operations.

The announcement of Williams 'appointment had no mention of Kapoor. The company didn't respond to a request for comment and Kapoor could not be reached. For now, why Kapoor and AT&T have gone separate ways is an unanswered question.

Kapoor led AT&T's U.S. public sector business for five years and was tapped to run the consolidated global public sector business shortly after her unit won the massive FirstNet contract this spring.

FirstNet is a 25-year contract to build and run a nationwide public safety network. The Department of Commerce awarded AT&T $6.5 billion to build the network, and the telecom company has pledged to invest more than $40 billion of its own money. In exchange for this, AT&T gets control of a swath of desirable wireless spectrum it can use both for the public safety network and their customers.

Under her leadership, AT&T also won a spot on the $50 billion GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Services contract for telecommunications services.

Prior to her departure, Kapoor was responsible for an operation that represented about 9 percent of total corporate revenue.

Kapoor's replacement in Williams has a long track record with public sector customers. "He has a clear understanding of their technological needs as well as the expertise needed to help them achieve their missions," AT&T said in a statement.

He will be responsible for government and education customers across federal, state, local and international markets.

Sorabh Saxena will take Williams post as president of business operations for AT&T Business.

A version of this story first appeared in FCW's sister publication Washington Technology.