Brown, Charles L(ee, Jr) (1921–2003)

US corporate executive who was president 1977–79 and chairman 1979–86 of American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T). He presided over two sweeping reorganizations of the company, the second of which in 1984 (following an antitrust lawsuit) forced the breakup of AT&T and the formation of regional telephone companies that became commonly known as ‘Baby Bells’.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, he trained as an electrical engineer and joined AT&T in 1946, progressing to top management over a 40-year career.