MONROE, La., June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — CenturyLink, Inc. (NYSE: CTL) today announced that upon closing of the CenturyLink – Level 3 acquisition, Jeff Storey, currently president and CEO of Level 3 Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LVLT), will join CenturyLink as its president and chief operating officer. As previously announced, after the closing Glen F. Post III will remain CEO of CenturyLink. It is expected that Storey will succeed Post as CEO of CenturyLink effective Jan. 1, 2019 and that Post will then become executive chairman of the company’s board of directors.
The two companies continue to expect to close the transaction by Sept. 30, 2017.
“Throughout our company’s evolution, we have focused on investment, growth and value creation. I am pleased that our collective work has put us at the forefront of the digital world. As we move into this next phase of our growth, I am confident in the strength of our position, the scope of our opportunity and Jeff’s ability to lead our company forward – first as president and COO and then as CEO,” Post said. “Transitions like this are bittersweet, but I am confident this is the right time to begin to take this next step into our future. At CenturyLink, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented people in our industry. Their leadership, dedication, loyalty and tireless efforts have been – and will continue to be – the key to our success. I look forward to joining forces with Jeff and the talented employees from Level 3 as we pursue the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
“Jeff has been an excellent leader for Level 3 and shares our excitement about the future of our business and the importance of world-class customer experience to our success,” Post said. “Just as important, Jeff shares my focus on continuing to invest in our network, products and services to meet our customers’ needs. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jeff to shape the future of the combined company.”
“Glen has done an exceptional job leading CenturyLink over the last 25 years, steadily transforming the company to become a leading international communications provider,” Storey said. “I strongly believe in the combination of the two companies and I am very excited to become part of the CenturyLink management team after the transaction closes. I look forward to continuing to work with Glen to drive a successful integration, an outstanding customer experience and growth in shareholder value. The opportunities ahead of us are exciting and I am committed to building on this impressive foundation.”
In addition to Storey, Post’s direct reports following the closing of the acquisition will be:
- Stacey Goff, executive vice president, general counsel and chief administrative officer
- Sunit Patel, executive vice president, chief financial officer
- Scott Trezise, executive vice president, human resources
CenturyLink also announced that Harvey P. Perry, vice chairman of the board of CenturyLink, has been appointed chairman of the board, effective immediately. He replaces William A. Owens, who retired from the board on May 24, 2017. W. Bruce Hanks, a member of the CenturyLink board of directors, has been named vice chairman, also effective immediately. As previously announced, Storey is one of four Level 3 board members who will join the CenturyLink board at closing.
“Glen joined what would become today’s CenturyLink in 1976, working for our founder, Clarke M. Williams. Throughout his 40-year career, Glen’s leadership and vision have transformed CenturyLink into one of the world’s leading providers of advanced communications services. Along the way, CenturyLink has created tremendous shareholder value through significant organic growth and successful transactions such as Pacific Telecom, Embarq, Qwest and now Level 3. This leadership succession plan enables Glen to create a smooth transition of the CEO role to Jeff and to continue to have a significant role in the company’s future as executive chairman of the board. On behalf of the entire board, I thank Glen for all he has done and will continue to do for CenturyLink. We look forward to working with him and Jeff to realize what we believe is a bright future for the combined company,” Perry said.
CenturyLink’s headquarters will remain in Monroe, La.
