Sprint Names New President and CEO

Daniel R. Hesse a veteran of the wireless industry an the former chairman, president and CEO of Embarq Corporation has been named as president and chief executive officer of Sprint. The Sprint Nextel Board of Directors has voted to place him in charge of the company effective immediately.

Let's become more familiar with Mr. Hesse and his stellar career. Daniel served as CEO of Sprint's Local Telecommunications Division for one year before he headed Embarq. He has also served as the president and CEO of AT&T Wireless Services which was then the United States' largest wireless operator. He was also a member of Sprint Nextel's board of directors.

Board member Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr., who chaired the board's CEO search committee said, "Dan Hesse is the right person to lead our company. He is a proven leader with deep wireless experience as a chief executive and an established track record of generating strong operating performance. He has the board's full support to take decisive actions necessary to improve our performance."

You can read more about Hockaday's comments on this important announcement at Sprint's Newsroom .

Another major announcement made by by Sprint Nextel's board concerns the election of JamesH. Hance to continue in his role as non-executive chairman. He is a senior adviser to the Carlyle Group and retired vice chairman and board member of Bank of America. He has been a Sprint board member since February 2005. When Gary Forsee, who had been chairman, president and CEO, stepped down in October, Hance was named non-executive chairman.

I guess it's safe to assume that Hesse will bring a lot of experience as the new head of Sprint. He will be able to provide direction to Sprint and will hopefully bring the company to greater heights.