Sprint Nextel taps Hesse as new chief exec

updated 8:18 a.m. ET Dec. 18, 2007

RESTON, Va. - Wireless carrier Sprint Nextel Corp. named Daniel Hesse as president and chief executive Tuesday, ending a two-month search to replace Gary Forsee, who was forced out in October over falling subscriber numbers.

Hesse previously served as president and chief executive of Embarq Corp., Sprint’s former local-phone unit that was spun off as a public company last year.

Paul Saleh had been the interim CEO at Sprint Nextel, which is based in Reston, Va., but has its operations in Overland Park, Kan. Sprint Nextel is the nation’s No. 3 wireless company, but it has been falling further behind leaders Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless.

“Dan’s mandate is to hone our strategy, improve our ability to serve our customers and execute in the marketplace,” said James Hance, non-executive chairman, in a statement.

Hesse also was president and CEO of AT&T Wireless from 19997 to 2000.

MORE FROM U.S. BUSINESS

U.S. business Section Front

No front-runner for next Bank of America CEO Report: Playboy in talks to be sold Intel to pay AMD $1.25 billion to settle lawsuits Medical marijuana business is growing ... up What a steal! Madoff’s homes get price cut Applied Materials to cut 1,300 to 1,500 jobs Hewlett-Packard to purchase 3Com Corp. Frustrated AIG CEO tells employees he’ll stay JPMorgan Chase adding 1,200 mortgage officers Bear Stearns execs acquitted of subprime fraud U.S. business Section Front   Add U.S. business headlines to your news reader: