Lumen Poaches Microsoft Exec as CEO

Jeff Storey is being replaced as CEO of Lumen by the former Microsoft executive, Kate Johnson. 

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As well as CEO, Johnson has also been appointed President of Lumen and joins the company’s Board of Directors. 

Storey leaves behind him a “distinguished 40-year career” in telecoms and technology industries, according to Lumen’s press release. 

Michael Glenn, Chairman of Lumen’s Board of Directors, said: “Kate’s appointment and the strategic transition announced today are the culmination of a succession plan that Jeff and the board have been engaged in for the past several years.

 “We are confident she is the right leader to take the reins at this important moment in Lumen’s history. 

“Kate is an inspiring and motivational leader who is known for identifying and creating growth. She is the ideal CEO for Lumen.” 

Lumen’s stock has declined by roughly $1 following the news that Jeff Storey would be retiring. 

Storey will be succeeded by Johnson on November 7, 2022, and Story will remain with the company until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. 

Johnson has worked for a number of Fortune 100 companies, such as Oracle, General Electric, and most recently as the head of Microsoft US. 

Johnson said: “I am proud to take on the CEO role and eager to advance the strategy Jeff and the team have created. 

“Lumen has made significant progress strengthening its balance sheet, expanding its fiber footprint and enhancing its portfolio of digital capabilities. 

“I’m looking forward to leading this great company through its next chapter and helping customers leverage the Lumen platform to power amazing digital world experiences.” 

Throughout Johnson’s time working at Microsoft US, the largest Microsoft business, Lumen says she has led the division through major cultural transformation and doubled its revenues at the same time. 

She has a “track record of success”, the press release states, and her speciality is leading companies through digital and business transformations and fuelling growth. 

Storey said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Lumen’s CEO. 

“Throughout my time with the company, I have been incredibly impressed by our team’s commitment to Lumen and to our core purpose of furthering human progress through technology. 

I am proud of all that we have achieved together as we have driven forward on Lumen’s transformation journey. 

However, when I took this amazing job, I always spoke openly with the board about my future timeline for retirement. 

I am confident that the organization has the strategy in place to deliver on its priority of achieving profitable revenue growth. 

I am very excited to welcome Kate to Lumen. I believe her experience, leadership and enthusiasm are exactly what we need as we drive the company forward.” 

Lumen has roughly 450,000 route fibre miles and serves over 60 countries with a platform for data and applications to help communities, businesses, and governments.