NEW ORLEANS-Solomon Trujillo, U S West chairman, president and chief executive officer, told Wireless 2000 attendees he won’t join Qwest Communications International Inc. after the companies’ merger is completed this year.
He said he will remain chief executive of U S West until the merger closes.
In a letter to U S West employees, Trujillo said, “During recent months, we have made notable progress in completing the merger-including timely regulatory approvals and cost-saving synergies. However, we are now at a critical point in the merger.
“Even though we have agreed on a wide range of issues, we have not found agreement on key strategic issues, including leadership appointments, the structure of the organization and the role of the office of the chair,” said Trujillo. “For this merger to work for customers and shareholders alike, it is essential for the leadership to be in full alignment on all these key issues. Accordingly, I have decided to accommodate the views of my counterpart so that he can shape the people selection, organization and governance of the new Qwest by his values and priorities.”
