Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

Qwest names new CEO

David Milstead, Rocky Mountain News

Published August 13, 2007 at midnight

Text size  

More Tech & Telecom

More stories »

Qwest named a telecom veteran, former Ameritech colleague Edward A. Mueller, as its new chairman and CEO.

He is succeeding Richard Notebaert, who said in June that he would be retiring. Notebaert said he recommended Mueller to the Qwest board.

Mueller, 60, spent 34 years in the telecommunications industry, rising to president and CEO of Ameritech from 2000 to 2002.

Mueller left Ameritech and became CEO in 2003 of retailer Williams-Sonoma. He’d been on its board since 1999.

In a statement, Notebaert called Mueller, (pronounced Miller) "a proven leader with a broad background of communications and retail experience. We are most fortunate to have him join Qwest at a time when his proven leadership skills are well suited to meet the challenges of a highly competitive industry in a rapidly changing consumer and business marketplace."

Mueller said: "Qwest has made great strides in upgrading and solidifying its infrastructure, and has built an impressive reputation for putting the customer first. When you combine the company’s improved financial position and impressive set of assets, there’s a great opportunity for continued growth."

Frank P. Popoff, lead director on the Qwest Board and former chairman and CEO of Dow Chemical Company, said the company conducted a "global search" for the new CEO and examined both internal and external candidates.

A native of St. Louis, Mueller holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri and an executive MBA degree from Washington University.

In addition to his telecom and Williams-Sonoma experience, he serves as a member of the board of directors at VeriSign, the Clorox Co. and GSC Acquisition Co.

Qwest said Mueller and his family will relocate to the Denver area.

Edward A. Mueller

• Age: 60

• 2003-2006: President of Williams-Sonoma

• 2000-2002: President and chief executive officer of Ameritech

• 1999-2000: President of SBC International Operations

• 1997-1999: President and chief executive officer of Pacific Bell

• 1968: Joined SBC in 1968 and held executive level positions in the company, including president and chief executive officer of Southwestern Bell Telephone

• Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri; executive M.B.A. degree from Washington University

• Native of St. Louis, Mo.