Qwest CFO Retires

DENVER -- Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q) and its Board of Directors announced today that Oren G. Shaffer will retire as vice chairman and chief financial officer, effective April 1, and that John W. Richardson, currently controller and senior vice president of finance, will succeed him in the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer.

"I am extremely proud of our accomplishments during the past five years and especially of Oren's contributions," said Richard C. Notebaert, chairman and chief executive officer. "We are very fortunate to have had him come out of retirement almost five years ago and join the Qwest team in its successful pursuit of sustained profitability. He will be missed but not forgotten. John brings a strong depth of talent, leadership and experience, and we are fortunate to have a CFO with such outstanding character on the Qwest team. His appointment truly reflects the outstanding bench strength on the executive team that we have established over the past five years and I am confident he will play a key role in our continued success."

Oren Shaffer, who turns 65 this summer, said: “In the time I have been here, this company and its executive team have consistently delivered on the vision Dick set forth when he arrived at Qwest. We have superb assets, a powerful position nationally and in our 14-state region, a solid customer base, a very involved chairman and CEO, and a talented and customer-focused work force. John knows our business as well as anybody, and I wish him and the senior management team all the best in achieving new heights as we continue to deliver the Spirit of Service.”

In a related announcement, Qwest has named R. William Johnston, currently vice president and assistant controller, as vice president and controller, effective April 1.

Qwest Communications International Inc. (NYSE: Q)