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Embarq’s Dan Hesse Replaces Gary Forsee as Sprint Nextel CEO

6:30 am on December 19, 2007 | Category: Business, Corporate, Telecom Services, Wireless

America’s third largest wireless carrier, Sprint Nextel Corp., has recruited Embarq CEO, Dan Hesse, to replace its own outgoing Chief Executive, Gary Forsee, effective immediately.

Hesse has successfully captained Overland Park, Kansas-based landline carrier, Embarq ever since that company was was spun off by Sprint Nextel a year and a half ago. He also served as the president and CEO of America’s largest cell phone carrier, AT&T Wireless Services, between 1997 and 2000.

Hesse will have his work cut out for him at Sprint Nextel, which has fallen behind leading rivals, AT&T and Verizon Wireless in recent quarters in the ongoing quest to attract and retain subscribers. He will have to decide whether to refocus efforts on Sprint’s core cell phone business, or continue pursue his predecessor, Forsee’s plan to begin rolling-out commercial WiMAX services next year.

“Sprint Nextel is a company with a strong set of assets, but clearly we must improve execution across the board,” said Sprint’s non-executive chairman, James H. Hance, in a company statement. “Dan’s mandate is to hone our strategy, improve our ability to serve our customers and execute in the marketplace.”

Hesse’s position at Embarq will be filled by that company’s general counsel, Tom Gerke, on an interim basis, until a permanent successor can be selected.

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