Former VP Taxes at AT&T to be new CFO

AT&T Inc. has announced that Rick Lindner, chief financial officer, will retire effective June 1, 2011.

He will be replaced by AT&T Controller John Stephens, a 19-year company veteran. Lindner has served as chief financial officer for the company since 2004, and he previously was chief financial officer for Cingular Wireless, the joint wireless venture between SBC and BellSouth.

“Rick is a world-class CFO who has done a remarkable job of positioning AT&T as one of the most financially strong companies in telecom,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and chief executive officer. “Rick and John have worked together closely for more than 15 years, and we expect a seamless transition.”

Since 2001, Stephens has served as controller for AT&T, where his responsibilities have included financial reporting and operations, business planning and accounting policy. Previously he served as vice president — taxes, where he oversaw all corporate tax matters for the company. Mr. Stephens earned his B.S.B.A. degree in accounting from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Mo. and holds a J.D. degree from the St. Louis University School of Law.