telecommunications solutions through a fibre optic network, announced that Jose Antonio Rios has joined the company as President, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mr. Rios, who will report directly to Global Crossing's Chief Executive Officer Tom Casey, has also been named senior vice president of Global Crossing Ltd. and will serve as a member of the company's management committee.

Mr. Rios will oversee all Global Crossing operations in Latin America and the Caribbean and will be based at the company's regional headquarters in Miami.

He will take over responsibilities handled in an interim capacity by Joseph P.

Clayton, president of North America for Global Crossing.

In 2000, the company combined the operational territories of South America and Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean into one region.

Global Crossing's regional presence includes approximately 160 employees located in Miami and in seven in-region offices.

Prior to joining Global Crossing, Mr. Rios served as President and CEO of Telefonica Media, where he managed a diverse portfolio of companies in the media, telecommunications and Internet sectors.

He also contributed decisively to Telefonica's expansion and integration into Latin America, including several strategic merger and acquisition efforts, among them the successful Terra/Lycos merger that created the world's third largest Internet portal.