Prior to assuming his current position in October 2009, he was vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, responsible for the company's market strategy and segmentation, pricing, product management, wireless device procurement, brand management and marketing communications.

Lanman joined PrimeCo Personal Communications, a predecessor company of Verizon Wireless, in July 1995 as the director of sales and marketing for the Richmond market. He moved to PrimeCo's corporate office in July 1997 and served as director of sales operations until January 1999 when he was promoted to vice president of sales operations. Later that year he was named vice president and general manager for the South Florida region.

In 2000, with the creation of Verizon Wireless, Lanman was appointed region president for the entire state of Florida.