Qwest CEO to retire

Qwest announced today that Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert plans to retire once a successor is selected.

In a statement, Notebaert said he plans to spend more time with family and “focus on other commitments.” Qwest is conducting a search for his replacement.

The Notebaert announcement comes just days after Qwest Executive Vice President of Operations Barry Allen announced his retirement. Like Allen, Notebaert was a top executive at Ameritech, the Baby Bell acquired by fellow RBOC SBC in 1999. He spent 30 years at Ameritech and its predecessor companies, leaving the carrier as chairman and CEO.

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Qwest announced today that Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert plans to retire once a successor is selected.

In a statement, Notebaert said he plans to spend more time with family and “focus on other commitments.” Qwest is conducting a search for his replacement.

The Notebaert announcement comes just days after Qwest Executive Vice President of Operations Barry Allen announced his retirement. Like Allen, Notebaert was a top executive at Ameritech, the Baby Bell acquired by fellow RBOC SBC in 1999. He spent 30 years at Ameritech and its predecessor companies, leaving the carrier as chairman and CEO.

Notebaert came to Qwest five years ago after leaving equipment vendor Tellabs. He is credited with guiding Qwest back to stability after the ouster of CEO Joe Nacchio, who recently was convicted of insider trading while at the helm of the Denver-based carrier.

Last year, he guided the company to its first-ever year of operational profitability.

"I am extremely proud of our accomplishments during the past five years and have full confidence in the leadership at Qwest," Notebaert said in Qwest's statement. "The time has come for me to spend more time with family and focus on other commitments."

Qwest says it plans no changes in strategy or operations as a result of today's announcement, and no timetable has been set for naming a new chairman and CEO.

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