BellSouth Names Forsee to Head U.S. Operations

BellSouth Corp. named Vice Chairman Gary Forsee to a new position heading its U.S. operations, in a move to strengthen sales of services, such as fast Internet access and long-distance calling.

Forsee, 51, will take on the responsibilities of Jere Drummond, 62, and Charlie Coe, 53, who are retiring, the phone company said. Ralph de la Vega, president of Broadband and Internet Services, will become president of BellSouth Latin America, reporting to Chief Executive Duane Ackerman.

The changes are effective Jan. 1. BellSouth is trying to counter falling revenue from local calling with newer services.

Forsee currently is president of BellSouth International, a position that won’t be filled, the company said.

Shares of Atlanta-based BellSouth fell 80 cents to $39.32 on the New York Stock Exchange.