Nortel Networks recently hired Ellen Bovarnick to run their newly deployed Six Sigma program. Ellen was previously the VP of Process Excellence at Coca-Cola. Mike Zafirovski,CEO of Nortel, is the former President and Chief Operating Officer of Motorola and before that spent 25 years at GE…No wonder he is pushing Six Sigma at Nortel!

Six Sigma is only a part of the turnaround strategy Zifirovski has introduced. Hiring Ellen to lead the initiative will surely prove to be one of his best decisions. Ellen is a very dynamic individual. I have spoken with her several times at Six Sigma conferences and it has always been a pleasure speaking with her. I’ll be keeping my eye on the work she does at Nortel.

Nortel Names Ellen Bovarnick Vice President of Lean Six Sigma and Global Quality, October 30, 2006

Nortel Hires Standards Executive; She Will Be Based In RTP, October 30, 2006

Nortel hires exec away from Coca-Cola, October 30, 2006, October 30, 2006

Nortel’s new game plan: Canada telecom, Canadian Business Magazine, March 27-April 9, 2006