CHICAGO — Ameritech's top executive announced his retirement Monday, on the first business day after his company merged with larger SBC Communications to create the nation's biggest local phone company.

Notebaert praised Ameritech's management team and employees in a brief statement.

San Antonio-based SBC said last Friday it had officially completed its $73 billion purchase of Ameritech, a deal first announced 17 months ago. SBC Chairman Edward Whitacre is head of the combined company.