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Lowell McAdam

Lowell McAdam is an American businessman who served as the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Verizon Communications.

1. Overview

Lowell Clayton McAdam, born on May 28, 1954, is an American businessman known for his extensive career in the telecommunications industry. He served as the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Verizon Communications, a company he joined in 2000. His leadership was pivotal in navigating the company's strategic growth and technological advancements in the early 21st century.

2. Early Life and Education

Lowell Clayton McAdam was born on May 28, 1954. He pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in engineering from Cornell University. Later, he furthered his academic credentials by obtaining a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of San Diego. Prior to his corporate career, McAdam dedicated six years of service to the United States Navy's Civil Engineer Corps. He is also a licensed professional engineer.

3. Career

Lowell McAdam's professional journey spans several key leadership roles within the telecommunications sector before and during his tenure at Verizon Communications, culminating in his leadership of one of the largest telecommunications companies globally.

3.1. Early Career

From 1983 to 1993, McAdam held various executive positions at Pacific Bell, including area vice president of Bay Area marketing and general manager of South Bay customer services. In 1993, he joined AirTouch Communications as the executive director of international applications and operations. His responsibilities at AirTouch also included serving as vice president of international operations and as a lead technical partner for several cellular ventures across international markets such as Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Italy, Korea, and Japan. Before joining Verizon, he also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PrimeCo Personal Communications, which was a joint venture between Bell Atlantic and Vodafone AirTouch.

3.2. Leadership at Verizon Communications

McAdam commenced his career at Verizon Communications in 2000. His ascent within the company was marked by significant leadership roles. In 2006, he was appointed as the chief operating officer (COO) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Verizon Wireless, a major subsidiary. On September 20, 2010, Verizon Communications announced his promotion to President and COO of the parent company, effective October 1, 2010, where he succeeded Ivan Seidenberg. Subsequently, on August 1, 2011, McAdam assumed the role of CEO of Verizon Communications. His leadership responsibilities further expanded when he was made Chairman of Verizon Communications on January 1, 2012. During his tenure as CEO and Chairman, McAdam played a crucial role in shaping Verizon's strategic direction, including its pursuits in 5G technology and its competitive stance in the evolving telecommunications landscape.

3.3. Retirement

In June 2018, Lowell McAdam announced his decision to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Verizon Communications, with his retirement becoming effective on August 1, 2018. Following his departure as CEO, he continued to serve as the executive chairman of the company through the end of 2018. He finally concluded his extensive tenure with Verizon, stepping down as non-executive chairman in March 2019. McAdam was succeeded in the role of Chairman by Hans Vestberg.

4. Other Activities and Affiliations

Beyond his primary corporate responsibilities, Lowell McAdam has been actively involved in a variety of other organizations and affiliations. He previously served as the chairman of the board of directors for CTIA - The Wireless Association, a prominent trade association representing the wireless communications industry. McAdam is also a director of the National Academy Foundation, an initiative that fosters partnerships between business leaders and educators to assist high schools across the United States in establishing and managing technical and service academies. Additionally, he held the position of co-chair for the CEO Council on Health and Innovation, an organization dedicated to promoting affordable improvements in employee health. He is an emeritus member of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Cornell University.

5. Legacy and Assessment

Lowell McAdam's career, particularly his nearly two decades at Verizon Communications, has left a significant mark on the telecommunications industry. As Chairman and CEO, he guided Verizon through periods of intense competition and rapid technological change, including the foundational rollout of its 4G LTE network and the early strategic focus on 5G deployment. His leadership ensured Verizon maintained its position as a major player in the global wireless and broadband markets. McAdam's contributions extended beyond corporate growth, as evidenced by his involvement in industry associations like CTIA and educational initiatives such as the National Academy Foundation, highlighting his commitment to industry development and workforce preparation. His tenure is recognized for strengthening Verizon's core business and positioning it for future innovations.